Join Us

“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” (v. 4).
 
In the first three verses of the Shepherd’s Psalm, the satisfied sheep seems to be “boasting” about the excellent care it received from its diligent owner.  Now it turns to address the Shepherd directly.  With the introduction of “I” and “Thou” the discourse has become a most intimate discourse of deep affection.
 

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me” (v. 4a)

 “Yea”  - with bold affirmation, the sheep proclaims its confidence in the shepherd as it treads even the dark and dangerous valleys.  Sheep have a natural aversion to shadows and darkness.  In the valleys, overhanging high cliffs and tall trees cast their intermittent shadows.  Valleys can be subject to sudden storms and flash floods that send walls of water rampaging down the slopes.  There could be rock falls, mud or snow avalanches and a dozen other natural disasters that would hurt or destroy the sheep. 
 
In his book, “A shepherd looks at Psalm 23,” Philip Keller shares of another terrible threat – the sudden chilling storms of sleet, rain and snow that can sweep down through the valleys from the mountain peaks.  If sheep become soaked and chilled, the exposure can quickly kill them.  Despite these ever-present dangers, the shepherd chooses this route to take his flock to the high country.  Aware of the hazards, he is ever watchful for threats along the way. 
 
The presence of the shepherd brings comfort and security so that the flock do not bolt in panic, nor scatter by scampering away.  There is nothing to fear, even in the face of enemies (wild beasts) lying in wait to pounce upon them.  The sheep knows it is not treading the pathway alone, for the shepherd is walking by its side.  The figure of their shepherd will keep the flock in line. 
 
It is as though the sheep is saying: “Though I, as one of the flock, should walk through the most dismal valley, in the dead of the night, exposed to pitfalls, precipices, devouring beasts, I should fear no evil under the guidance and protection of such a shepherd.  He knows all the dangerous passes, deep ravines, hidden pits, and abrupt precipices in the way; and he will guide me safely around, about, and through them.”
 
“There is a reason why sheep are taken to the mountain tops by the way of the valleys.  Not only is this the way of the gentlest grades, but also it is the well watered route.  Here one finds refreshing water all along the way.  There are rivers, streams, springs and quiet pools in the deep defiles” – Keller.  In these valleys also is found the richest pasture.  Most of us would rather avoid the valleys.  Yet in spite of our worst fears and misgivings, God can bring great blessing.  The dark and distressing days may well prove to be the way of greatest blessing as we find refreshment from the Lord Himself. 
 
This verse is often used to comfort dying saints.  Death is a stark reality; it is an appointment that all must keep.  But even here, death is not an end but merely the door to a blessed eternity with the Saviour.    One commentator made an interesting observation that it is the “valley of the shadow of death.”  To the child of God, Death is merely a shadow because it has lost its sting:   “O death, where is thy sting?  O grave, where is thy victory?”  (I Cor.  15: 55).   “The shadow of a serpent will not sting nor the shadow of a sword kill.  It is the valley of the shadow, deep indeed, and dark, and dirty; but the valleys are fruitful, and so is death itself fruitful of comforts to God’s people” – Matthew Henry.  Death is a king of terrors but not to the flock of Christ.  Death cannot separate us from the love of God, and therefore it can do us no real harm; it kills the body, but cannot touch the soul (Rom. 8: 38; Matt. 10: 28).
 
Beloved, are our pathways gloomy and sad?   Are we walking through some dark valley?  Are we struggling with some trial in life?  Let us not despair.  Christ our Good Shepherd knows all our struggles when He leads us through the valleys.  Sudden storms may break about me, grave dangers may confront me, but when the Lord walks with me, I shall not fear.  With Christ, I face my trials calmly, for He promises to be with me in the valleys of my life. 
 
As the sheep of God’s pasture (Ps. 79: 13, 95: 7, 100: 3), I am fully assured of the Shepherd’s tender love and watchful care.  It comforts me to know that He will lead and guide me even though that path lies through the darkest and deepest vale.  Even in that dark and gloomy valley of the shadow of death, I will not be alarmed for my gracious Shepherd is there to guide me still.
 
Let us thank God for the dark and difficult days – the disappointments, the discouragements, the frustrations, the struggles.  Though they be shadowed valleys, they lead to higher ground in our walk with the Lord.