Walking Through Dark Places

Psalm 23:4 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. (ESV)

Sometimes, we put on a brave smile, “How are things going?” “Yeah, fine …” and yet, you’re hurting so deeply inside, you feel so alone, so afraid, that there aren’t words to describe what you’re going through.

Some years ago, I was given a bookmark with some Japanese characters on it. Of course, they don’t mean anything to me, except for the fact that I can make out the numbers 23 and 4.

It turns out those illegible Japanese words, come from Psalm 23, verse 4. And I just wanted to share that with you today, because I know that some of us are walking through some really dark places right now. And in those dark places, it can feel as though God has completely abandoned you. That He’s left you completely alone.

Psalm 23:4 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. (ESV)

Back when that was written, shepherds would defend their sheep to the death. With their rod and their staff, they’d fight off wild animals and robbers, even if it cost them their life.

The sheep knew that. That’s why they feared no evil. That’s why the sight of their shepherd, comforted them. No matter how dark the valley was, so long as their shepherd was with them, they would feel safe.

Jesus said: I am the true shepherd … and I lay down my life for my sheep (John 10:14-15).

In that dark place, how can you know that Jesus hasn’t forsaken you? How can you be certain that He is in that place with you? Because He is the true shepherd and He laid down His life for you. Don’t you ever, ever forget that, no matter how dark it gets.

That’s God’s Word. Fresh … for you … today.

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