Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and staff, they comfort me. - Psalm 23:4
What is Psalm 23 about?
Throughout the book of Psalms, the heart of God is revealed to us in many ways. In one of the most famous Psalms, Psalm 23, we see a testament of God's goodness in the midst of every circumstance. Even in the bleakest darkness, God guides us and is present. It is a Psalm of comfort.
This Psalm is familiar to many of us, and some people refer to it as the Lord is my Shepherd Psalm. But what does it mean to have the Lord as my shepherd? We’ll take some time here to explore that.
Your rod and your staff comfort me
Perhaps the most famous verse in Psalm 23 is verse 4. In the New King James version, it says:
“Yea, 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
It’s an odd concept to think that a couple of sticks would bring comfort! But let’s have a closer look at this; the shepherd’s rod was used for protecting the sheep from wild animals who intended to kill them. The staff was used to bring the sheep back to where it should be, under the safety of the shepherd’s care.
The Psalmist is saying that it’s a comfort to be brought back into the fold, on to the right path, even though the process might feel a bit sudden or uncomfortable! God not only brings us back but also protects us from harm. It also suggests that there is an intrinsic trust in the Lord that where He puts us is absolutely the best place. It’s a place of stillness (quiet waters) but not necessarily a place away from the situations that are causing us worry.
Even when I walk through the darkest valley
That’s what the New Living Translation (NLT) says. ‘Even when’..... You are with me.
Nowhere does this Psalm say, ‘I will no longer need to walk in those valleys’, nor does it say the presence of evil will be removed. It says that the Lord will walk with me: I am not alone. It says that evil will be there, but I will not FEAR evil. This is incredible. And if that wasn’t enough, the Psalm goes on to talk about provision right in the middle of the valley circumstance.
A table in the presence of my enemies
Verse 5 says; “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies”
Imagine being so unafraid of the evil that appears to be all around you that you were relaxed enough to sit down and eat! This amazing verse describes that concept, that right in the middle of ‘enemies’ - things that are designed to make you feel alone, or forgotten, or in despair - there is provision. Those enemies have to sit and watch you eat!
Your goodness and love will follow me
Psalm 23 is full of movement; lying down, walking, eating, leading, guiding, following. Here’s how the movement of this Psalm is concluded - with a look into a future of continued journey, knowing that the goodness and love of God will follow me. They follow me!! As I allow the Lord to lead me THROUGH that dark valley, the beautiful consequence is that in my wake are goodness and mercy. Those who travel behind me are blessed, and I don’t leave a trail of bitterness, resentment or unresolved hurt.
At Eternal Wall, we have had the privilege to read many stories of hope in the midst of darkness, or provision in the midst of despair. We’d love to hear your story too and add it to the Landmark of Hope that you are building with testimonies like this that forever point to a God who walks alongside us.
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