Simply the Bible Blog

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me.” (Psalm 23.4a)

A good shepherd desires the best for his sheep. He knows what they ultimately need. In leading through open meadows the sheep will easily follow. But sometimes getting to the greener pastures in the highlands means first going through a dark and treacherous valley. In the shadows are potential predators. Sheep instinctively avoid such places and must have complete trust in their shepherd in order to follow.

If living has taught me anything it’s how much I don’t understand. Pain happens. Life seems unfair. Innocents are abused. Good people suffer.

Faith is tested when God permits these things in our lives. We know we’ve been called upon to walk in the valley. It could be sickness, financial loss, persecution, wayward children, the death of a loved one, or some other painful circumstance that wounds us and leaves us broken. The question isn’t if we will walk in this valley but when.

At that point to whom or to what do we turn? Friends, a therapist, substances, food, books, entertainment? Or do we simply seek to stuff the pain?

David found refuge in his God. There were no easy answers for the things he suffered. Often there were no explanations as for why. David knew just one thing: God was with him.

Someone once said that you don’t know Jesus is all you need until Jesus is all you have. Only His presence can calm our fears. Only His grace can supply what we lack. Only He can lead us through one step at a time.

Maybe you’re walking through the valley now. But can you trust Him to lead you to highlands of life even when all you see are shadows of death?