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 to lurk in the lower parts, hidden on the sides; there they have the advantage to kill sheep that fall off the paths. Predators also lie waiting for lone travelers to attack, ravage and leave for dead.

David would often have to lead his sheep through this perilous valley and yet he wrote these comforting words for our souls “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 lost, 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, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me… the valley is simply a shadow of death, a shadow is the appearance of the actual object… and no matter how daunting it may be, it is not that object.

David knew that The Great Shepherd of the Sheep, was his, as He is our, protector, deliverer, comforter, sovereign and Almighty God…who promised never to leave us alone!

Are you or a loved one walking through a valley experience today? Isaiah 41:10 state “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 has promised and He will faithfully succor us; remember that the darkest hour is just before dawn.

As we hold to the security that we have as His beloved children, though the road gets rough, and the hills seem insurmountable to climb at times…rest in Jesus’ words as He draws near and whispers to our fragile, trembling hearts; I will never leave thee nor forsake thee. . .  God will take care of us; we are safe in His everlasting arms.

The gospel hymn No, Never Alone 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 and comfort be with us all.