"Yes, even though I walk through the valley . . . ."

"Yes, even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will not fear any evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me." Psalm 23:4

Leaving the tranquil world of green pastures, quiet waters, restoration and paths of truth, the Psalmist moves to the turbulent and painful experience of death. He mentions the "valley of the shadow of death".

Why a valley? A valley is a low spot in the topography of the earth. To get to a valley, you walk downhill.

Why a shadow? In order to see a shadow, one must have a light source and an object; something that gets in the way of light. Have you ever walked through an exceptionally dark place? There's a phobia associated with such a place, and you want to get out of there!

Combining the valley and the shadow, two good metaphors, we have the low experience and the absence of light one feels at the time of the loss of a loved one.

I will not be afraid - Fear makes people worry and lose sleep. David knew what fear was. For several years King Saul and his soldiers had hunted him like a wild animal. David had come close to death a number of times. But his triumphant statement was that he would not be afraid of evil.

For You are with me - He, the LORD, has done several things for the sheep, in verses 1, 2 and 3. Now the Psalmist shifts from "He" to "You". I have no fear of evil, for You are with me. Jesus has been by our side during the walk, so there's no need to fear. When on earth, Jesus' oft-repeated words were "Do not fear; don't be afraid" because He was there. The Source of light is still there! God's presence is close - we are not alone; that's why there's no need to fear.

Many of us have walked through this valley - we've lost a loved one to death. The experience has been low and it has been dark. But notice that the Psalmist walks through this valley - he doesn't stay there; there's an exit, a way out. He anticipates both walking out of the valley and walking into the light on the other side of the valley.

The Shepherd's rod and staff bring comfort to David. Why was this?

There were two ends to the staff of the middle eastern shepherd. One end had a crook (a bend or hook), that was used to guide the sheep. The shepherd would place this end of his staff over the sheep's head and around its neck and guide it where he wanted it to go. In this way, he was able to train and restrain a sheep.

The other end was the straight part, or rod, used to defend the sheep against predators. The shepherd could skillfully beat off the enemy with his rod.

David saw the Good Shepherd as his guide and defense, hence the comfort.

Jesus, the Good Shepherd, is the One who walks by our side when a loved one dies. He guides us along the road of life. He defends us against our enemy. Are you comforted by His presence today?