Have you ever felt overwhelmed with life? Is loneliness your best friend? Have you been to the end of yourself and back again? Does life make sense in the way that you would want it to make sense?
The Psalmist, David, could relate to your feeling of loneliness and despair. Many times we hear his cry of isolation and fear and we can experience his pain as if it were our own. But in Psalm 23:4, he speaks of a shepherd who desires good things for His sheep. As is the case with most, this Shepherd takes good care of him. David has plenty of food to eat and water to drink. Along with the basics, this Shepherd is responsible to attend to the emotional needs of the psalmist and to keep him from getting into trouble.
It is important to note that, at certain times of the year, a shepherd needs to take his flock through the valley where the grass is emerald-green and the water is clear and cold and plentiful. During that time, however, there is also grave danger. Since the lush valleys and sparkling waters are often found in deep gorges and between craggy cliffs, there is the danger of flash floods or predators or strange and unexpected weather patterns that could threaten the life of each sheep. So, even though the food is plentiful and the water abundant, the sheep must be willing to trust the shepherd to watch out for them as they are enjoying the good gifts that have been provided. There is also the possibility that the sheep are led beside the “still waters” because the waters are stagnant and undrinkable, yet the sheep must trust the leading of the shepherd and wait for their thirst to be satisfied in a different place, at a different time.
When David speaks of going through “…the valley of the shadow of death….”*, I believe this is what he means. The sheep are not necessarily going to their death, but to the place where death is a constant shadow over them. In this place, the sheep must be able to enjoy the goodness the shepherd provides while trusting in his love and constant watch over them in the event of any danger. It is only possible to live in this place if the sheep are sure of the shepherd’s love for them.
David IS sure. He speaks of not fearing any evil that could be around him because his Shepherd is with him. The rod and the staff that He carries, essential tools of any shepherd, actually bring him comfort. With these implements of protection and direction, David is sure of his Shepherd’s ability to safeguard him in every circumstance! He trusts his Shepherd with his very life.
The verse below has good news for you and me! There is Someone who cares when you’re in that place of complete and utter despair. He’s waiting for you to ask Him to become part of His flock. Once you are, it is His pleasure to feed you and lead you and guide you and love you and protect you until He carries you Home.
Trust God, the Good Shepherd, who wants to make you His own!
Psalm 23:4 “Yeah, 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.”