Psalm 23 (Day 3)

Reading: Psalm 23 v 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.

 David was an old shepherd boy, and what intrigues me about the opening scriptures is that he is describing God based on imagery that he understood from experience.

However, sometimes that imagery doesn’t make as much sense to us in our western world. Questions I would ask myself are; Why would a shepherd lead his sheep into a dark valley? Is this only relevant in death?

I know in my life I have walked through many a dark valley that felt like death. Depression, financial distress, uncertainty, hurt, bereavement, loneliness, unwed pregnancy, to name just a few and I am sure I am not alone in these dark times. We have all been there.

But I can say that I have always come out of that valley in a better place. I have seen Gods hand, I have felt His presence and I have seen Him move in ways I wouldn’t have had I sat myself down on the pasture and said ‘thanks but no God, I’m ok here where it’s comfortable and bright’.

You see as Christians we need to remember that we are led! That means God goes before us, with us, we never go alone. Sometimes it is necessary for us to be taken by God to places we may never want to go in order that we may see God in ways we may never have the chance to otherwise.

Notice the verse ‘For you are with me’. The sheep go because the shepherd goes with them. Likewise, we can go through tough experiences because God goes with us. Beside us. God knows where He is taking us even when the road seems rockier, steeper or darker than we would like. God is a good shepherd and He will never lead us somewhere that is not for our own good or for the good of the flock.