I may walk through valleys as dark as death
But I won't be afraid
You are with me
Today we continue sharing the song, Psalm 23, Lord, You Are My Shepherd (click track title to play song). It is from our latest CD, Before Your Throne.
So far we have learned that God is our Shepherd, who gives us everything we need and provides a place for us to rest. He leads us to a place of comfort and peace where His living water flows freely giving refreshment to our souls. We can also trust Him to lead us down His path of righteousness.
Today let us look at the seventh phrase in Psalm 23.
I may walk through valleys as dark as death, but I won't be afraid. You are with me.
For many people undergoing the journey of healing and retracing, this is the most important line in the psalm, though certainly not the only important one. It tells us that yes, we may need to walk in difficult territory in your life. However, we need not fear, for the Lord is with us.
The shepherd metaphor in this phrase points to an occasion when the shepherd might be required to lead his sheep through some dangerous, forested valley, where lions and other enemies of the sheep are lurking; but the safety of the sheep is assured by the presence of the shepherd. As it applies to us, even though the soul that trusts in the Lord will most surely pass through many dark valleys including even physical death itself; but that there is no need to fear anything because the Lord will be with his own, "Even unto the end of the world" (Matthew 18:20).
No matter what we are going through, we can be assured of knowing that we are never alone because the Lord is with us.
Prayer:
Lord, sometimes we do not understand why we have to go through the valleys in life. We are grateful to know that You will never leave us or forsake us. Thank You always being with us, and for Your comfort and love. Amen.