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. — Psalm 23:4

Even though…

Those two words just hang there, like the image of a hungry lion waiting to pounce on its prey. More than anything, they provide a sobering reality, which is that shadowy, deathly valleys are inevitable for the man or woman of faith. Not if, but when. But it doesn’t end there, in isolation and despair. 

David tells us what he does with his fear. He will fear no evil. He isn’t throwing down any sort of macho-driven bravado here, though if anyone could have, it would’ve been David. We think of David wrestling down lions with his bear hands, sling-shotting Goliath the giant, and slaying tens of thousands of his enemies. Bare hands, weapons and armies were all things David possessed and could execute with the skill of a talented and seasoned warrior. But shadowy, deathly valleys? Another story. Whatever skill he possessed on the battlefield, he would have none of it as he walked through those bouts of aching fear and loneliness.

I wonder what kind of valleys this year has brought or is bringing you through? Maybe it’s been an unexpected physical ailment to you or a loved one that has propelled you into a state of fear that you can’t seem to shake. It could be that someone has done something against you, like gossip or slander, and you feel like your name has been irrevocably tarnished. You think “I didn’t ask for this.” You might even wonder why God has seen it good to allow you to walk through this. 

for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me

I remember one summer my parents sent me and my little brother Jason to church camp for a week. I was a miserable kid like no other. I couldn’t shake the debilitating homesickness I was feeling and worse yet, I couldn’t stop crying in front of the other boys and girls. I just missed being home with mom and dad so much. I remember one afternoon I was sitting on the floor in our room and I was so upset I couldn’t even muster enough energy to play with the other kids. At some point, the door opened and my little brother came in, and sat down next to me. In a moment of unforgettable tenderness, he put his hand on my back and told me it was going to be ok. 

I would’ve never needed the comfort of my brother’s hand had I not been in such a dark and discomforting place. Jason reminded me that we’d be home soon and back with our parents. He reminded me of what was true, even though it felt like we would remain in this foreign place forever. 

Like David, God ordains the valleys so that we remember how much need His comfort in them. We need His rod and staff to ward off the wolves and draw us back into His arms. With God, you have never been less alone in your life. 

Reflect

Recall some of the valleys you’ve walked through this year, and think on some of the unique ways God has walked through them, whether through other people, or the promises of His word.