Shadow of Death

Psalm 23:4a (NKJV) Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me;

Matthew 28:20 (NKJV) …and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Psalm 36:9 (The Message) You're a fountain of cascading light, and you open our eyes to light.

My ladies and I are reading "Quiet Confidence for a Woman's Heart" by Elizabeth George. This is a study of Psalm 23. In Chapter 7 Elizabeth George looks at Psalm 23:4 – “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me;”

“As we walk through life beside our faithful Shepherd, the path of righteousness stretches through the sunshiny green pastures and beside glistening still waters…but it also winds down through the dark valley of the shadow of death.”

The phrase, “shadow of death”, refers to all types of darkness – deep darkness, thick darkness and includes death shadow. It could be that you are facing a path of darkness or you are in the valley of the shadow of death right now. But take hope! “We can grasp the hand of God as we descend into the valley, into the devouring darkness. So walk. Never fail to keep walking! Don’t pause. Don’t falter. Don’t ponder. Just proceed. The Lord is beside you to help you make it through the difficult time. The Good Shepherd does not take His sheep into the valley of darkness to stay – but only to pass through it.”

Let’s remember that every shadow is produced by light! It is impossible to have a shadow without a light! Wow! Think about that for a moment. If you are walking through (remember don’t stop or tarry there, walk through) the valley of the shadow of death, then that shadow is caused by a light. Jesus is that light! He is the light of the world!

Elizabeth George listed four facts to remember about God and our relationship with Him. They are:

1. “Remember…we walk by divine appointment. The valleys we enter are never accidental or the result of a mistake on God’s part. No, we are led there…”

2. “Remember…we walk in divine presence. …David declares God is with us. We are never alone. God is always present and a constant source of strength and hope. He will never fail us.”

3. “Remember…we walk by divine grace. God promises that His grace is and will be sufficient for all our needs. (2 Corinthians 12:9)”

4. Remember…we walk by divine purpose. What is the purpose … of the dark valleys we traverse? It brings us into greater intimacy with the Shepherd as we turn to Him for strength, guidance, comfort, and protection. … Valleys are merely passageways that bring us closer to our Lord.”

In Verse 4, David goes on to say “I will fear no evil.” David learned to “face the tragedies and terrors of life with the Shepherd and, therefore, without fear. He boldly declared, ‘I will fear no evil.’ Why? Because of the presence of God. David declared to God, ‘You are with me.’”

God tells us more than 80 times in the Bible to “Fear not!” Thus whatever life brings, we can walk through it with our Shepherd and not fear!

As we were discussing this chapter in my book study with the ladies at church, several of them said that the point – shadow is produced by light – meant the most to them. Learning this or being reminded of it really encouraged them as they felt they were walking through that valley. I hope it has encouraged you as well! In addition, we discussed the fact that God is leading us through that valley. We are not to stop and get lost in that valley. We are not to linger in that valley. We are not to get bogged down with what is going on in that valley. No. We are only to pass through that valley! How comforting for us are these two thoughts!

Be encouraged today that you are only to pass through that valley and be reminded that God is the light that causes the shadow. He is with you!

Here are two thought provoking questions the author asks at the end of Chapter 7. Take a moment and ask yourself these questions:

1. Is there anything you dread in the future? Why? How can the promise of God’s presence dispel your fear?

2. How are you doing in the Trust Department? What can you do to increase your trusts in God and His promises?

Let’s pray. Father, we thank you for reminding us today that You are the light of the world. You are the light that causes the shadow in our valley. And thank You that we only have to pass through the valley, not stay there. We thank You that in our valley, we can find intimacy with You and draw closer to You. Father, I ask that You minister to those reading this that are in a valley of the shadow of death. Let these words encourage them and uplift them. Be ever real to them as they cling to You. I pray Your blessings on them today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Blessings,