Psalm 23 Paths of the RighteousSample

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; (Psalm 23:4a, ESV)

Corrie ten Boom lived in Holland with her family during World War II. As Christians, they were horrified by the atrocities being carried out by the Nazis and began to quietly acquire food ration cards, and help hide Jews in their home. They built a hidden room no bigger than a small wardrobe closet, in Corrie’s bedroom to hide the Jews when the Gestapo came to the door. The hidden room helped an estimated 800 Jews hide and escape from certain death. However, Corrie, her sister, Betsie, and her father, were eventually caught and sent to the German concentration camp, Ravensbruck. 

Even living through the horrors inside the concentration camp, God’s presence was tangible to Corrie and Betsie. One bitterly cold morning, their cruel taskmaster, ordered the women outside for roll call an hour earlier than usual. Corrie and Betsie walked hand-in-hand by a different route to the square. On their right, were the outlines of the barracks, crematorium, and gas chamber, and on their left, the guards paced along the watchtowers with machine guns drawn. 

In a true valley of the shadow of death, they prayed. Corrie recounted, “We were three as we walked with the Lord and talked with him. Betsie spoke. Then I spoke. Then the Lord spoke. How? I do not know. But both of us understood.”

“Isn’t this a bit of Heaven?” Betsie said. “Lord, one day we’ll talk with you face-to-face, but even now you are giving us the joy of walking and talking with you.”

Walking Through the Valley of the Shadow of Death

Betsie died in Ravensbruck. But Corrie was later released due to a “clerical error” and went on to share her story with millions worldwide. Corrie and Betsie literally walked through the valley of the shadow of death and yet experienced a little slice of heaven communing with God. The world cannot understand, nor experience this kind of peace. It is reserved for those who belong to the Shepherd. Whatever valley you are going through today, be reminded that he is there with you, and if that is true, you have nothing to fear.