JOURNAL ~ PsalmsSample

GREEN MEADOWS, DARK VALLEY,  AND A FULL-COURSE GOURMET BANQUET - Day 4

Yesterday, we learned that the Good Shepherd guides the sheep so he can lead them to better things to come. This involves traveling through dark and dangerous places. Today we will learn that even in times of darkness and pain, He is there walking us through it.

As you can imagine, dark places, or the valley of the shadow of death (as the Psalm describes it) is a dangerous place. In our human experience, this is place on our life journey cannot be avoided. It is place of troubles, darkness, pain, and suffering.

It is in this place where Paul, in 2 Corinthians 1:8-9, said he had received the sentence of death.

But the good news is the Good Shepherd also looks out for the sheep in unpleasant places.  The only way forward is through this valley. These are the places where the Shepherd must lead the sheep if they are going to get to the destination. He doesn't necessarily take our troubles away, but He is right there amid our troubles, whether we feel Him or not.

This Psalm tells us that the reason the Good Shepherd does this is for his name’s sake. You see, to get us safely to the end of the journey is a matter of personal honor with God. Acting in faithfulness to us is the only way God can demonstrate the character of His name.

What is the character of His name? The name he reveals to Moses? The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness. (Exodus 34:6).

What a companion we have for the journey! That’s why David says I will fear no evil. Because whatever happens to him, he knows and believes that God is always with him. So it is with us. Whether we feel it or not, we can know it and we can believe the Good Shepherd is always with us.