This week, we’ve been working through Psalm 23. Today, we come to verse 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.”
If Psalm 23 were new to us, this verse might be surprising. After reading about being led along right paths, we find that such paths sometimes lead to valleys and ravines that are dark, frightening, and dangerous. Life isn’t always green pastures and still waters.
Now, for a sheep, a dark valley is a very dangerous place. There are many calamities that can befall. And yet, David says, “I will fear no evil.” How can David be so confident? Is he courageous? Is it because he is a mighty warrior? No. His reason for hope is simple. The Lord is his companion. Our abilities will never lead us through the darkest valleys. The best comfort we can ever find is the presence of the Lord.