[Unboxing Psalm 23: Treasures for Every Believer] You Are With MeНамуна

Valley of the Shadow of Death

David writes, “Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death.” This phrase can bring three things to mind. First, physical death. From the moment we’re born, we live knowing we will eventually die. Our lives are fleeting. David, hiding in a cave in the wilderness, is well aware of the possibility of physical death. As the commander of an army, he’d faced death on numerous occasions. At any moment, Absalom or his troops could find and kill him.

The valley of the shadow of death may also refer to times when life is hard, when we experience pain, grief, loss, and suffering. David frequently experienced these. We can’t see a way out; it feels like we’re walking in deep darkness; we’re overwhelmed; it is so difficult to get through the day that it feels like death itself.

A third possibility is spiritual death. Sin separates us from God. David certainly would have known this. He misused his power as king to bed Bathsheba, tried to deceive her husband when she became pregnant, and then sent him to the battle front so he would be killed. Death is what comes from sin.

We all go through the Valley of the Shadow of Death. We all experience physical death, dark times, or spiritual death. How do we respond to these things? David writes. “I will fear no evil.”

If you’re afraid of dying, of the finality of it all, Jesus said He is preparing a place for us; do we believe Him? Death is not the end. Here we are anchored to the hardships and heartaches of life, but in death the gangway is raised, the anchor is put away, and we set sail for another shore. If you are afraid because of sin, if you fear judgment, know that when we disobey, God intervenes to correct us. It’s not in anger, or with a desire to get even with us, but out of deep concern and interest for our spiritual development.

David can say he won’t fear because he knows the great Shepherd, the one who can lead us through the Valley of the Shadow of Death. Entrust yourself to the Shepherd’s care.