Dark Valley: Psalm 23:4

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, 

I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod 

and your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4

Dark valleys. We all walk through them. Sadness, fear, pain, anger... 

Many commentators believe David wrote this psalm when he was young, perhaps when he was Saul's companion. How could a young man know about dark valleys?

David drew on his experience as a shepherd to proclaim the faithfulness of God.  Even though he was young, David had faced dangers out in the fields with herds of sheep. When he stood before Goliath, he was confident that God was with him because he'd experienced God's presence when lions and bears attacked his flock of sheep.

When our lives are attacked from the outside, we, too, can trust in God's presence. Our dreams might be attacked by divorce, illness, or loss of a job. When these things happen, fear and anger can attack our hearts. We can stand as David did by the assurance in God's presence in the past and choosing to be confident in the present. 

David relied on the comfort of God's rod and staff. This seems odd to us because we think of a rod as an instrument of punishment. David knew that the rod and staff were actually instruments of protection and guidance. How many times had he rescued his sheep from a dangerous situation with the crook of his staff? How often had he blocked the sheep's path with his rod when they headed in the wrong direction and had forced them back onto the safe path?

We, also, can rely on God's guidance. Sometimes we are aware of when He rescues us from the danger of a wrong choice; often, we aren't. Perhaps we sense when God blocks our path if we head down the easy way of compromise or ungodly pleasure; sometimes we don't. Regardless, we are assured of His love and care for us. We know He guides and protects us if we choose to accept them. 

David described his relationship with God: 

• Complete confidence 
• Reliance on Him 
• Security in His presence 
• Rest in His guidance 
• Comfort in His sovereignty

Do we describe our relationships with God in the same way? We, too, can walk in confidence, reliance, security, rest, and comfort, if we choose to trust Him.  

When have you stepped into danger or followed a risky path? How did God protect you?

Please share your thoughts!