The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. 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 23:1-4
Psalm 23 is a deeply moving Psalm. We memorize it because we recognize that this is not just poetry or right theology; this was David’s authentic confession and testimony of God as his personal Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd who led him through green pastures and quiet waters. Perhaps you have experienced good times like these. When the business or promotion comes through. When you find money to send your child to school. These are times of blessing and everything is working in your favor.
Yet, David also reveals that this same Good Shepherd led him through the valley of the shadow of death. The valley is a place of struggle, pain, depression, and hardship. The valley is dark, lonely, and even terrifying. It’s the place where friends disappear, and you question if you are going to make it. So why does God intentionally allow believers to spend time in the valley?
Perhaps you’ve noticed that when we walk in green pastures and quiet waters, we tend to talk about God, (God told me this and God told me that…) but when we are in the valley, we get desperate, and desperation gets us to talk to God. In the valley we hold our heads in our hands and weep before his throne like Hannah. The Good Shepherd allows time in the valley because he knows it will lead his sheep to higher ground. The valley is the path to better ground. It is the path to righteousness. It is the exact path Jesus trod.
So, as we begin this new week, hold tightly to the Good Shepherd’s hand, let him lead you through whatever difficult situation you may be facing. The valley is not good, but the Good Shepherd is, and he knows the way to higher ground. You will get through this, and he will be with you all the way. May the comforting Presence of our Almighty Father surround you today and always.