23rd Psalm

Valley of the Shadow – Part 2

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…I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies  Psalm 23:4-5

In David’s Psalm I often picture a meadow of the greenest grass in the very heart of the dark valley. There, while the enemies of the sheep peered down sept-oct-2013-025_crop_cropfrom the rocks, the Good Shepherd stood guard over the sheep as they grazed. They calmly eat then lie down to rest, trusting that they are safe. When they hear the silent footsteps of the enemy or see a shadow move in the distance, they have only to glance up to reassure themselves that the shepherd’s staff and his heavy rod are there. Then they rest their heads back down on their hooves and sleep.

What enemies are you facing today? What fear is keeping you from finding green pastures to rest in? When you trust in Jesus Christ as your Good Shepherd you will discover that He has also prepared a table for you. It does not matter what dangers you face, His rod and staff will keep you in perfect peace even in the presence of your enemies!

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Valley of the Shadow

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Valley of the Shadow Part One

 

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

When I read about the valley of the shadow I sometimes remember driving through a place called Sugar Hollow. Though everything might seem sunny, dark shadows would begin to intrude across the road as it twisted and turned into the entrance to the hollow. The hills on both sides were steep and they cast such a shadow that in the late afternoon drivers quickly put on their headlights. The brightness of the day disappeared as we passed through that mile.

In the same way, God has chosen to lead us through a region called “the valley of the shadow of death”. The presence of a shadow tells us that we are close to the object which is blocking the source of light. The closeness of our enemies brings darkness into our lives but Psalm 23 gives us some lampposts to light the way to our Father’s house.

 

First Lamppost -He is with us Pathway

 

When Joseph discovered that Mary was

pregnant he was afraid and ready to quietly abandon his hopes of marriage and happiness at her side. But God told Joseph to not be afraid because Mary’s miracle child was to be called –

 

Immanuel “God with us” Matthew 1:23