Scripture Reference: Psalm 23:4
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me”
Psalm 23, just six glorious verses, has always been deeply personal and comforting to me. Sadly, for many of us, God has to lead us deep into the valley of life’s trauma’s in order to build our faith and draw us into a deeper, more intimate relationship with Him. This is what has happened to me for the past 10 years. Back in March of 2014, I would have never believed that I could have withstood ten years deep in my own valley of affliction. Psalm 23 has been without a doubt a psalm of comfort to my soul. David imagines God as a caring shepherd and himself as one of his lambs (Psalm 23:1). Under his care, David is confident he will have everything he needs.
Like a lamb needs to be led to food and water when wandering in the deserts of Israel, God leads David to rare fields of green grass and calm waters (Psalm 23:2). God’s gentle shepherding both restores David to full vitality and ensures he chooses the right paths (Psalm 23:3). While I’ve been in the valley, the Great Shepherd used my trial to give me a thirst and desire for His Word, unlike any time in my life. Psalm 119:92 became one of my life verses. “Unless Your Word had been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction.”
God has been a shepherd to me, as He was for David, and for countless other believers, not just because he loves his children, but for his own name’ sake (Psalm 23:3). Leading David along paths of righteousness is a matter of God’s character. And David is confident God will never fail to lead him—even when that means bravely leading him through the most threatening places (Psalm 23:4a). God will most certainly beat away predators with his rod and point the way with his staff. In God’s presence David has no reason to fear (Psalm 23:4b). I’ve made my bed in tears many a night, but always with the assurance that God was with me, and that he would get me through those hard nights, and once again feel the blessings of His renewed mercies for another day,
Like a generous host to his honored guests God fights for their protection so they can feast and drink wine, even when surrounded by enemies (Psalm 23:5).
In our text today, David knew that with God, it wouldn't be enemies who would stalk him, but goodness and mercy (Psalm 23:5a). Ultimately God the shepherd will lead him to dwell forever in his generous and protective presence (Psalm 23:6). This is a promise that every child of God can claim.
Sheep guarded by a skilled shepherd are led to food and water, and protected from harm. In the same way, David praises God for giving him peace. The knowledge of God's protection and provision are a great comfort. This psalm incorporates themes of supply, defense, assurance, and care from God.
A Quick Look At A Familiar Text
David could walk through a dark ravine, perhaps even death, fearlessly, because the Lord walked with him. David explains his lack of fear because “You are with me.” It is interesting to observe that the “shadow of death” drew David closer to the Lord. He addresses the Lord as “You,” whereas in the [peaceful places he called the Lord, “He.”
A shepherd in Bible times carried a rod and a staff to protect his sheep. The rod was a short, thick, heavy stick similar to what modern people might call a baton or mace. This was worn at the shepherd’s belt. The staff was a long, lightweight pole with a curved end, a crook, that the shepherd used to move, count, and examine the sheep at evening when they returned to the fold.
Both the rod and staff were used as weapons to protect the sheep. David trusted the Lord to protect him, just as a shepherd protected his sheep from any attacking animals. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, is with believers at all times (John 10:11,14). He promised to be with us always (Matthew 28:20). He is with us when we walk over rough ground as surely as He is with us “beside still waters” (Psalm 23:2). Jesus said, “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand” (John 10:28).
God’s Word is a vast treasure trove of priceless wisdom. Many of you may agree with me that there are many undiscovered stories in the Bible. Better stated, not so much undiscovered, rather events and stories that we don’t fully understand..
This is one of the most famous verses in the Bible. It paints a powerful picture of God’s unwavering presence, guidance, and protection. Psalm 23:4 reassures believers that even in life’s darkest and most challenging moments, God is with us. And not only is he with us, he will lead us through.
This verse has so much for us today, and I think if you spend a few minutes diving into its message you will leave encouraged. Let’s take a look.
The Context Of Psalm 23:4
In order to apply Psalm 23:4 to our lives we first need to look at the context in which it was written.
Psalm 23 was written by David, and in it he reflects on how God has cared for him. He uses poetic language to paint a picture of God’s care, guidance, and protection. The primary metaphor used in this Psalm is that of a shepherd caring for his sheep. This beautifully shows God’s relationship with His people.
In Psalm 23:1-3 we see David describe God as providing rest, guiding him down the right paths, and refreshing his soul. It’s an idyllic picture of green pastures and calm waters. But things are about to take a turn.
In verse 4 we see that the shepherd leads not only to still waters but also through troubled valleys. And we see this theme continue throughout the rest of the 23rd Psalm. David shows how God is with him in the good and will lead him through the darkest valleys.
Despite facing these daunting circumstances, the psalmist expresses unwavering trust and confidence in God’s presence and protection. We are going to look at how we can live with the same trust in God today.
The Meaning Of Psalm 23:4
There’s a lot to unpack in this verse. To help you better understand Psalm 23:4 I’ve broken it down into three sections.
As I Walk Through The Valley Of The Shadow Of Death
There’s a false belief that has been floating around for years that, if you are a child of God, you will have an easy life. The problem is, that’s simply not true. We have all experienced “the valley of the shadow of death” in this life. And we will likely go through a few more.
The Bible never promises us an easy life. In fact, it regularly talks about the struggles we will face, including here in Psalm 23:4. The promise that Christians have to hold onto is that God will be with them no matter what.
I Will Fear No Evil For You Are With Me
David here is expressing a profound sense of courage and confidence because he knows that God is with him.
This is a message found throughout the Gospel; even on the darkest nights and in the most difficult moments we can find hope in God. Not because we can overcome the darkness, but because God can.
Psalm 23:4 teaches us that the great Shepherd is with us in the green pastures and in the valley of the shadow of death. This psalm of David reminds us that even in the darkest valley of life, God is still with us, and we can have hope.
Your Rod And Your Staff They Comfort Me
David ends Psalm 23:4 with a powerful image, “your rod and your staff they comfort me.” Now, this might sound a little strange to us, but remember the context. David is comparing God to that of a good shepherd.
The rod and staff were two of the most important tools a shepherd would carry when tending sheep. The rod was a short and thick stick that would be used to protect the flock by warding off potential threats. The staff had a crook that could be used to guide and rescue sheep from precarious situations.
David is saying that God’s guidance and protection are akin to those of a shepherd. The rod and staff symbolize God’s watchful care, discipline when necessary, and gentle guidance that keeps believers on the right path. I’ve been blessed over the years in prison ministry to see so many of my incarcerated brothers and sisters in Christ who have embraced the truth and the reality of Psalm 23. In prison life, they are experiencing the rod of correction as a result of poor choices in life, but in doing so they are also experiencing the comfort and love of God’s protection as they put their full faith and trust in Him. He will be to them an ever present Shepherd who will come alongside and lead them through every day of life in bonds.
His rod and His staff protect us, guide us, and comfort us. God will not abandon us in the valley of the shadow of darkness; He will guide us through it.
What Is The Application Of Psalm 23:4 To Our Lives Today
Psalm 23:4 offers us encouragement and hope in the midst of troubles and trials. It shows us how we can overcome fear through faith, find comfort in God’s guidance, and trust in the good Shepherd.
Let’s look at two lessons that show us how we can apply this verse to our lives today.
You Don’t Have To Go Through The Valley’s Alone
When the dark valleys come and life gets difficult, don’t go through it alone. I see this too often; when the storms of life come Christians put their head down and try to muscle through it by their own strength. It rarely ends well.
Psalm 23:4 reminds us that we don’t have to walk through these seasons alone. God is with us and he will not abandon us. We need only to lift our eyes to see God’s presence.
Practically speaking this means that we run toward God in the hard seasons. We don’t neglect to spend time with him, gather with other believers, and pour our hearts out in prayer.
If you were to read through some of David’s other psalms you will see him pouring his heart out to God. You see that he’s struggling, but he never stops going to God. And neither should we. If you are sad, angry, hurt, lost, disappointed, or even struggling to trust in him you should take those feelings to God. He cares for you and will meet you where you are at.
This psalm shows us that God is there to provide and comfort us. But we cannot experience that if we don’t turn to him. So, don’t walk alone. Go to God, keep going to him. He will give you what you need to face whatever is in front of you.
Trust in God’s Guidance
Sheep place a deep trust that the shepherd has their best interests in mind. Similarly, we must trust that the good Shepherd has our best interests in mind.
There will be times when God will guide us to where we don’t want to go. And there will be times when God will correct us and we might not like it. In those times we must keep in mind that God has our best interests in mind and we can trust in his guidance. Psalm 23:4 teaches us to surrender to him and recognize that what he is doing is ultimately for the well-being of his people.
Final Thought
Some people think that when you become a Christian, all your troubles go away. They naively assume that once you are saved, everything in your life will fall neatly into place. In fact, they think if you have any problems, there must be something faulty with your faith.
But nothing could be farther from the truth. It is not only foolish to think we will never face difficulties in the Christian life, it is downright dangerous. If we think we will never encounter any trials, we will set ourselves up for a great fall and be sadly disappointed.
The reality is, we all need a shepherd—someone to guide us through our many adversities, someone to protect us from encroaching evil, someone to calm our troubled souls. That someone is the LORD Himself.
The author of this great psalm, David, was a man after God’s own heart. And despite his great devotion to Him, he often found himself walking through the dark trials of life. He pictured these tough times as “the valley of the shadow of death.” These were not imaginary dangers, but painfully real ones.
We can all relate to David. None of us are exempt from sailing through the storms of life. We live in a fallen world with many threatening perils. In these difficult times, we must recognize the Lord’s calming presence and receive His comforting peace. That is what we see evidenced in this psalm.
Lord, we know that none of us escape this life without times where we feel like we are going through the valley of the shadow of death, whether it be a horrible diagnosis, followed by a debilitating disease, losses that bring us to our knees, or trying to navigate our way through an unexpected prison sentence. Help us to be more like your servant David, where when life shattering events stare us in the face, will look to the great shepherd of the sheep who can bring us comfort beside still waters.
From: Fight the Good Fight of Faith & Life Journal: By Gregg Harris
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