Reflections on the 23rd Psalm - The Deep Dark Valley
The Lord not only provides for our needs, he also leads and protects us.
Last weekend we began to think about this psalm as a person who lives in the ancient sheep herding culture would have understood it. We examined in the first post the Shepherd’s provision (link). God provides for his people the way a shepherd does. All our true needs are met in him.
This week let’s consider another idea that David mentions in verses 3-4.
Psalm 23:1–4 (HCSB): The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack. 2 He lets me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. 3 He renews my life; He leads me along the right paths for His name’s sake. 4 Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff —they comfort me.
The Valley of Deep Darkness
If you look closely, David paints the picture of the shepherd leading and guiding his sheep. Leading us beside still waters, keeping us on the best paths. We see all the wonderful blessings the Good Shepherd has for his sheep, and then all of a sudden, we find ourselves in a deep dark valley! How did that happen?
Some people think if they surrender their life to God and walk with Jesus in his kingdom that all their problems, difficulties, and suffering will be over. They think as soon as they become a follower of Christ it will be green pastures and still waters every day for the rest of their lives! What a shock it is to these folks when they are following the Shepherd’s guidance and find themselves in dark, dangerous circumstances.
I Fear No Evil, for You Are With Me
When we are walking with the Shepherd, it is not always sunshine. We will experience many cloudy days and probably some deep, dark nights along the way. That is why this psalm is so precious to God’s people. We can identify with the sheep who, in spite of the darkness, can still hear the Shepherd’s voice, maybe not as clearly as when the sun was shining, but we still hear it. We know he is with us. The deepest trouble and suffering in which we find ourselves is a safe place to be if He is with us.**
Our Shepherd is watching over us and will deliver us through the darkness. Occasionally he will deliver us from the difficulties, but there are also times that we are caught in the trouble and he delivers us through it. I’m sure my trust in Him grows more from the times he brought me safely through challenges than the times he delivered me from them.
I pray that you are safely in the sheepfold of the Good Shepherd and that you, like David, find comfort in His presence.
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