Momentum For Monday, November 11th 2024

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4)

This specific verse offers so much to consider. David has continued on with the imagery of God being the Good Shepherd and it may help to consider verse 3 again.

Some of the paths of righteousness that God leads us into may be into dark places. But note the use of "through" in verse 4. That means no valley of death remains. There's a beginning and an end. It may exist for a season, but not a lifetime.

Continuing on, the word “fear” in the verse describes dread. It's the type of feeling that overshadows everything because its weight is enormous. But David takes a stance to say he will fear no evil, no matter what dark valley he goes through, and if you’ve read his story in other books of Scripture, he's had plenty of dark times. But the reason he can take this stance is because of God. David isn't a superhuman with courage in the face of adversity, it's God that makes his mentality possible. That means, because of God's presence, we can assume the same confidence. As his children, we never go through things alone.

Ending this verse, David gives two thoughts of comfort, the rod and staff. Shepherds used these to guide or even protect their sheep. In these valleys, God will certainly guide us through and protect us. That truly is a comfort.

Wherever this finds you, in a valley or about to go in one, remember a few things. The valley isn't permanent. God is with you to alleviate the fear. And, he will guide you and protect you.

“The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom should I fear? The Lord is the defense of my life; Whom should I dread?”

(Psalm 27:1)