"The Valley Of"

"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."  Psalm 23:4

Walking through the valley of the shadow of death is probably the hardest place there is for us to walk through-- whether we are facing it personally or have gone through it with a loved one. 

Look at this valley of the shadow of death a moment.  First, it is a valley.  Valleys are low places.  Valleys are surrounded by mountains looming over them on both sides.  This valley is a place of shadows.  A shadow is a dark area produced by something coming between light rays and a surface.  Who knows what "lurks" in the shadows?  They are places where things can hide and not be detected.  This valley is associated with death.  Death is feared by many.  Death seems so final and hopeless.  Death is not something most want to face.  Death is never alone it is accompanied by grief, pain and sorrow.  Evil seems to be present in this valley because the Psalmist proceeded to say that he would fear no evil while in the valley of the shadow of death.   

Even though it is a hard place to walk, or travel, it is not impossible to get through it.  Namely, because you never walk through it alone-- "Thou art with me".  Jesus is walking with you through it.  When the valley looks fearful and you become afraid, His rod and staff are present to comfort you.  You don't have the fear the valley.  You don't have to fear the low places.  You don't have to fear what is "looming" over you.  You don't have to fear what lurks in the shadows.  You don't have to fear evil.  You don't have to fear the darkness.  You don't have to fear death.  You don't have to fear the unknown and uncertainty of what is in the valley.  

Are you walking through a valley today?  Instead of looking at the things about the valley that bring fear, remember this-- the Shepherd is in the valley.  He is there with you.  He is there to guide you through it, to comfort you while in it, to protect you, to help you and to provide everything you need to get through it.

Have a great day.  The valley may look fearful, but the Good Shepherd is with you in the valley.