When reading Psalm 23, it begins with praise for the Shepherd. Suddenly, there is a turn and now the Psalm becomes very intimate. “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me” (Psalm 23:3). Shepherds move their flocks during the winter months to the lush green pastures on the mountaintop. The Shepherd has gone before them to find the best pastures. He walked the treacherous path and knows the dangers that they will face, for He has already faced them before. The journey may lead them on paths that are narrowed. Shadows of death and destruction may surround them along this journey. However, it is through the treacherous, darkest valleys they must walk to find the best nourishment of their soul.
Along this journey, they learn to trust the Shepherd. Their most intimate walk with Him is through the darkest Valleys. David knew this well. Saul, enraged by David’s popularity and intimate walk with God, set out to kill and destroy him. Yet, David ran through the darkest valleys into the mountains to escape Saul. David already knew the dangerous, darkest valleys; because, as a Shepherd, he had walked them before. It was God who had called him to become the next King and he would have to trust God to lead him through the darkest valleys where the “shadows of death” surrounded him. There in the darkest valleys, his song turned to an intimate conversation with God. Suddenly, his praise turned to a talk with God.
Facing the Darkest Valleys
During our walk with God, He leads us through the darkest valleys to bring us to the mountaintops. It is in those valleys, where deaths shadows surround us that we learn of this intimate relationship with God, our Shepherd. Christ has gone before us and knows every danger that we face along this journey. Whatever we may face, He is there to lead and guide us. Wolves and coyotes hide within the caves and ravines. Sometimes, they attempt to destroy our reputation, so we cannot be a witness. At other times, they seek our utter destruction. There are dangers which threaten us along this journey of life.
It may be illness or financial disaster. Whether it be the physical abuse I lived through or the aggressive cancer, I walked through many of the darkest valleys. However, it was in those darkest valleys, where the shadows of death and destruction surrounded me that I learned to trust God, my good Shepherd. Christ said, “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
Finding Joy
Because, we can trust our Good Shepherd, who willingly faced ridicule, pain, suffering and the death on the cross, we may find peace even in the darkest valleys. We know that His loving hand will guide us and protect us every step of the way. He rose again from the grave victorious over death and sin. Jesus is seated at the right hand of God, the Father, ever making intercession for us. His plan is to bring us into an intimate personal relationship with the Father, where we have no fear. He prayed to the Father, “I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me” (John 17: 23).
So how can we be fearless walking through the darkest valleys? We can trust Him who loves us with the same intensity of love that the Father and Son share. He desires that we know the height, depth and breadth of His love. To learn that, we must journey through the darkest valleys at times. When all around us is falling apart, we seek Him. He strengthens us along the journey and fills us with hope when the shadows of death and destruction surround us.
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR?
If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. Because there is nothing more important than this, I urge you to seek Him today.
ARE YOU IN OF NEED PRAYER?
If you have a prayer request email me by clicking here
Or if you would like to tell me your story or thoughts comment here
Books Available
If you want to know more about books I have written: please click on this link Book Resources.
You can find all my books on Amazon.com, search Effie Darlene Barba or click this link to be taken there
Or for inspirational photos or home decor click here.
Previous Posts from series on Psalm 23
How to Follow the Shepherd as He Leads
Have Your Soul Restored by God
How to Surrender as He Leadeth Beside Still Waters
When God Makes His Sheep to Lie Down. Why?
I Shall Not Want. What Can It Mean?
Do You Know and Trust the Good Shepherd?
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2018
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Photo by Milo McDowell on Unsplash