Abundant Grace DailySample

Darkest Valley

Psalm 23:4

"Except there were some light, there could be no shadow." John Donne

If the care of Yahweh the Shepherd is so comprehensive and his provisions so appropriate and abundant, does that mean that I'm always going to be in perfect health and dodge a painful, drawn-out death? This verse dispels that notion.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death ...

Even though prepares us for a surprise. We might have expected the paths of righteousness to lead us to flower-festooned lanes. “Not so”, says the psalmist. When the sky is dark and the way is torturous, it's human to conclude we have wandered from the Shepherd's care. That's not true either.

Valleys of death’s shadow are one of life’s certainties. It may be a brush with death, of which I have had several, or the word “terminal” after a visit to a doctor, or years of chronic pain. This valley is a reminder that, as we age, we are flowers quickly fading.

... the valley of the shadow of death ...

This phrase could be translated as “the place of deep darkness.” Death's shadow is lurking. It is nearer than we think. Just a month ago, my seventy-nine-year-old brother died after a routine hip replacement. I experienced the shadow. When life is sweet and the sun is shining, death's shadow feels remote. When a loved one passes, we realize that death is lurking.

Maybe David is referring here to the agony of being pursued by King Saul and later by his own son Absalom? In both cases, the shadow of death was a reality. Being hunted by the king and then his own son would have felt like endless valleys of deep darkness.

Have you ever been in this valley of deep darkness? Have you been touched by death's shadow? Maybe you are aware of it right now? If so, then meditate on these incredibly reassuring words.

... I will fear no evil for you are with me; your rod and your staff they comfort me ...

This is the second confession of faith in this priceless psalm.

I shall not want v. 1

I will fear no evil v. 4.

Evil is palpably present, but David chooses to not be traumatized by it. It’s the reason for his lack of fear that makes the difference.

… you are with me …

This is the ultimate comfort. God is always our safe place and source of strength, but especially so when we're in deep trouble (Psalm 46:1). I've proved that over and over. When our third child, Craig, died from pneumococcal meningitis at the age of five-and-a-half months, my wife and I experienced the closeness of our tender Shepherd like never before.

The ultimate comfort is that the Shepherd has led us into this dark valley, and he is present with us every step of the way. He’s at the ready. He holds a rod, which is a weapon to protect the sheep, and a staff to round them up and direct them if they stray.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, my ever-present Shepherd, with your companionship in the loneliest valley, I am never alone. Protect me with your rod, direct me with your staff. I pause to pray for friends that are in places of deep darkness right now. Draw near to them. Comfort them, I ask. I’m pouring out my thanks and praise that you are ever present, but especially near in valleys when I need you most. Amen.

Reflection: To what extent have you been aware of your Shepherd right there with you when death casts its shadow or at times of deep darkness?

Action:

• Take each phrase in Psalm 23:4 and turn it into a spoken or written prayer.
• Maybe share this devotional with someone who is experiencing the "valley of the shadow of death." Pray for them.