Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Psalm 23:4.

The Valley of the shadow of death is south of the Jericho Road leading from Jerusalem to the Dead Sea and is a narrow pass through the mountain range. The valley is very dark and steep paths run throughout the canyon. It is an idealistic place for wild dogs and predators to lurk in the lower parts, hidden on the sides; there they have the advantage to kill, ravage, or leave for dead animals or lone travelers.

As a shepherd boy David would often lead his sheep through this perilous valley and by faith wrote these comforting words that resonate deep within the soul “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4.

Fear from debilitating and terminal illnesses, grief, financial or employment loss, family discord, mentally anxiety and numerous other circumstances can lead us down a dark valley, but we can stand on the assurance that the Lord is our Shepherd and He is with us regardless to our plight in this life.

I like the way David expressed his confidence and trust in the power of God’s protection as he wrote that the valley is simply a shadow of death, a shadow is the appearance of the actual object…but it is not the object; therefore, he could cling to the One who preserves from all evil-who comforts and keeps us forever!  I will fear no evil for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me! Psalm 23:4b.

Are you or a loved one walking through a valley experience today? Isaiah 41:10 states “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” God‘s promises are faithful…wherever we are…He is there…especially in the darkest of hours- God never fails! “If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.” Psalm 139:11-12.

Even though the road gets mighty rough, and the hills will seem insurmountable to climb…we can rest in Jesus’ words as He draws near and whispers to our fragile, trembling hearts; I will never leave thee nor forsake thee. . .we are safe, safe in His everlasting arms!

The gospel hymn No, Never Alone in the third stanza ties it together so beautifully:

When in affliction’s valley, I’m treading the road of care,

My Savior helps me to carry my cross when heavy to bear;

My feet entangled with briars, ready to cast me down;

My Savior whispered His promise Never to leave me alone.

No, never alone, no, never alone,

He promised never to leave me, never to leave me alone!

God’s blessings of peace, protection, and love be with us all.