Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalms 23:4 NIV

David starts the verse with, "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death." When I read this an image of a shepherd leading his flock from one grazing to another came into my mind. To get to the next grassy field, the sheep would often have to squeeze through a narrow pass that was surrounded by high canyon walls and jagged cliffs. The mountains blocked out the bright sunlight so it could not shine into the valley. The dark shadows made it a dangerous place for the flock. In the shadows where dangerous animals and thieves who would use the darkness to steal the sheep.

We the people are the sheep and God is the shepherd he will protect use through any circumstances. We need him if not we will fail in life. In the midst of his most difficult trials, David says, "I fear no evil." The word 'fear' means “an unpleasant emotion caused by the threat of danger, pain, or harm.”

What would normally cause us to panic doesn't effect anyone while God sends His spirit to be with us and protect us.

The shepherd rod and staff has multiple functions such as aiding sheep that have fallen into a hole or gotten themselves trapped in a bush and the staff is also used to guide sheep in the right direction. Both of these are attributes that God possess so we should never worry because God is on our side.

The best of us are still but sheep. In our weakness, His strength is made perfect. We must stay close to our great Shepherd as we walk through dark valleys.

With Love,

Vanessa / YAFC Team