JUNE 18, Psalm 23:4

David says in verse 4, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” David describes himself like a sheep “going through the valley of the shadow of death”. As the shepherd leads the sheep to pasture, they may have to pass mountain passes, through areas where dangers lurk, where the wild animals are. This gives us a picture of sheep being led through a dark valley perhaps forested where danger lurks. The danger could come from wild animals hiding in the thickets. All these may cause the sheep to be frightened, yet notice here that David says, the shepherd is there with them. So, they need not fear. The shepherd has equipment with him to protect the flock. The rod is a short stick like a baton. It can be thrown at wild animals to strike them or frighten them away. It is also used to frighten sheep that stray away into danger, so that it would move back in the direction of the flock. The staff is longer and hooked at one end. It can be used to strike at wild animals. It is also used to rescue sheep fallen into a hole or ravine. The Shepherd uses the hooked end to lift the animal out. So, the sheep need not fear. The shepherd is there to protect them.

Our lives as Christians are also fraught with problems and difficulties. We may also experience “valleys of the shadow of death.” The moment we become a Christian, Satan targets us to cause us to fall into sin. He uses two ways, the soft approach and the hard approach. The soft approach, to entice us with temptations, the lust of eyes, the lust of flesh and the pride of life. The hard approach, by persecution, to cause us to yield and to compromise. We need to realise that God is always with us despite the dangers we face. We need to keep close to Him. If we don’t, we will fall. The only way is by prayer and constant study of His Word. We need to know His Word well so that we will not be deceived and fall into sin.

Thought: God is always present to help me in my troubles.

Prayer: Thank you, Heavenly Father, for Your presence with me when I pass through difficult times. I will fear no evil because You comfort and strengthen me. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.