“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
Did you learn this verse as a child as part of memorizing the 23rd Psalm? As I think back about why it was such an important section of scripture, I realize that the Psalm addresses life and death as well. It talks about depending on God in life – The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He provides for us and cares for us as a shepherd looking after his sheep. He makes us lie down in green pastures, he leads us beside still waters. If we will focus on Him and follow him, we will have peace and rest, even in the midst of trials and tribulations.
He restores my soul. Oh my, how many days do we have to go before Him, confess our sins and get our attitude aligned with His? He always, always offers restoration of a full relationship with Him. He never leaves us, it is us who does the leaving! He guides us in paths of righteousness – for HIS name sake. It is for His glory that He leads us away from sin and into righteous living. It is all about Him. Yes, we receive the benefits that come with healthy, righteous living, but it is really for His glory. I often forget that life is to be about Him, not me.
Then…..there it is… “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death.” When does that come? Maybe it is the valley of the shadow of death of a parent or a child or a beloved friend. Maybe it is our own we are dealing with. It doesn’t matter. He is there for us, comforting us. Even if it is the death of one who does not know Jesus, He still comforts His children in the midst of grieving a soul bound for Hell. He is our comfort, our shield, our deliver.
He prepares a table before us, in the presence of our enemies. It is as though He says – “I will show you what I am made of. I do not fear the enemy, for I have defeated death and the grave myself already.” Nothing is too hard for Him. He anoints us with oil – bringing health and restoring life in the soul whether life in the body is restored or not. Our cup overflows. There is an abundance in our lives of love and grace and mercy for others when we accept God’s love and grace and mercy for us. We cannot contain it.
Surely…..surely……I love that…..SURELY, goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life! No question mark behind surely, just confidence that because God said it I believe it that because of His promise to never leave me nor forsake me and to guide me through all temptations of life, goodness and mercy will follow me. You know, if it follows me, that means wherever I go. That means no matter the mistakes I make, the stupid things I do, His mercy is there, following me, available to me. And I will dwell with Him – in the house of the Lord FOREVER. Wow, forever is a long time. That time frame includes now. I will dwell with Jesus forever, from now through eternity because I belong to Him.
Today I thank a Holy God for choosing me as his child, for providing for me, for protecting me, for giving me peace in the midst of the storm, leading me to still waters and green valleys. I thank Him for preparing a table before me that I may enjoy fellowship with Him, for never leaving me, but always following after me, ready to rescue, to save. Thank you Jesus!
Blessings,
