“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.” King David – Psalm 23
There are no official records of when King David wrote the most quoted Psalm in Scriptures, but the depth of its metaphorical language suggests the writings of an older, seasoned man. There is a tone of submissive, quiet confidence which suggests a heart that has been tested by many trials and proven the faithfulness of God, time and again. A young man whose life had just begun would not have written with such confidence and assurance of God’s protection in every circumstance.
David had experienced betrayal, loss, persecution, death threats, and the anguish of a guilty soul. He had indeed walked through the valley of the shadow of death and survived, rising yet stronger and wiser on the other side.
A former shepherd, David described God as the ultimate shepherd of man’s soul — a metaphor drawn out of his own experience, no question. He knew that sheep are completely dependent on their shepherd for provision, guidance and protection. He also knew that sheep are stubborn animals and, without the guidance of a shepherd, can easily go astray. Furthermore, he knew that even though sheep usually ignore their shepherd’s presence, a good shepherd never slumbers while watching his sheep.
The words of Psalm 23 danced across my mind as we drove through the Shenandoah Valley this past summer during our family’s vacation. With my camera aimed at the edge of the Ridge-and-Valley Appalachian mountain range, I marveled at the lush green vegetation of the large valley, taking in the sights of one of the most beautiful areas I’ve ever seen while traveling through these United States.
“It’s funny that we refer to our trials as valleys,” I said to my husband. “There is hardly a more beautiful landscape than a valley between mountains.”
Lush. Fertile. Filled with life and water. That is indeed what one finds in a valley. But they are also known for harboring wild beasts and other dangers that lurk about in their shadows and rivers.
When David wrote about his experience in the valley of the shadow of death, however, he did not convey the idea of being overcome by its darkness, dangers and loneliness. On the contrary, this beloved Psalm speaks of conquering the solitude and perils of the valley. It speaks of the fact that we are never alone through life’s dangerous and difficult circumstances. God, the shepherd, is herein portrayed as a conquering helper, provider and friend.
As I looked through my car window into the beauty of the Shenandoah, I thought of the many trials I have faced, and the fact that I too can sing the song that the shepherd king penned down. Indeed, I can testify that each valley I’ve crossed, though difficult to navigate, had unparalleled beauty within. For it was as I crossed these valleys that my soul proved the faithfulness of my God. It was through each hardship that my inadequacies were exposed, my weaknesses surrendered into his almighty hands.
If you are going through a dark, scary valley today, may King David’s song echo as a reminder that you are not alone. The shepherd is ever with you, guiding you to the edge of the mountain and step-by-step reading your muscles, so you can climb it to the mountaintop. He will carry you when you are too weak to walk, restore your soul when you are too tired to move forward.
Even though shadows may threaten to hide the beauty within, remember that the valley is fertile with seeds of personal and spiritual growth. Do not let fear overcome you, nor allow the shadows to threaten your peace, thus hiding the fact that the good shepherd is with you. And he is enough.
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