I Will Not Fear the Valley of Shadows

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
Psalm 23:4

We all walk through dark times. Today’s promise is a reminder that because God is with us, there is no need to fear.

The Valley Darkness
At one time or another, the path to green pastures leads you through the shadow of the valley of death. Shadows are scary things. We’ve all been frightened by a shadow in our room, the yard, or another part of the house. The funny thing about shadows is that they disappear when you turn on the light. What you thought was a person lurking in the shadows of your living room turns out to be the coat rack when you turn on the light.

Notice that David didn’t say the valley of death. He said the shadow of the valley of death. As a Christian, there is no fear of death and no need to fear the valley of the shadow of death.

Through the Valley
The valley of the shadow is not a stopping point. Aren’t you glad the Psalmist didn’t say God leads me to lie down in the shadow of the valley? The valley of the shadow is something you walk through on your way to somewhere else.

Since God is with you in the valley of the shadow, there is nothing to fear. He is not out in front of you leading, but right there beside you, showing you which way to go and directing your steps.

God is With You
Jesus is your Immanuel – God with you. No matter how dark the valley may be, He is with you. The closer you are to Him in the valley, the safer you will feel. If you are going through a valley today, reach out to the Great Shepherd, who cares for, and watches over you.

When you are overcome with fear, run to the shepherd.

Look at that promise again.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. – Psalm 23:4

Make these confessions.

I will not fear.
God is leading me through the valley of the shadows.
As the Good Shepherd, He is guiding my footsteps.
Jesus is with me, so I find rest and security in Him.

In Jesus’ name,
Amen

Even when you face your darkest days, there is no reason to fear. As the Good Shepherd, Jesus is always with you. He will guide and comfort you through your darkest times.

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