May 2008

Hi Friend:

We have been exploring the "riches" found in Psalm 23, and will continue to do so for the next few months. We are focusing this month and next month on verse 4. I encourage you to read the past devotionals on Psalm 23. Scroll down to "Archives" to read. I pray that God will use this devotional to be an eye-opening, insightful blessing to you!

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. Your rod and Your staff they comfort me." (New King James Version)

 

 "Even 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." (New Inernational Version)

Many people think Psalm 23:4 is a verse to be read during a funeral service or at the graveside of a loved one. But I have good news!

"Valley of the shadow of death" is referring to our life experiences. Yes it refers to death and sorrow. But it also referring to our fears, fears for tomorrow's "unknowns", tragic things that happen in our world today, going through deep valley of pain and suffering, a deep depression, health crises, financial crises and serious marriage problems.

As we learn to know and trust our Shepherd, Jesus, then we, His sheep, are able to go through the darkest times in our lives.

I am at high risk for food allergies. Sometimes my deepest fear is that I will become extremely sick, or even die, from an allergic reaction to food."

Here is a picture of a deep valley. The land on both sides of the valley is rich, green and beautiful. But King David gives us another picture. The valley is the home of wolves, it is a dangerous place, a dark place of the unknown. The shepherd knows His sheep love being on the mountain top. But there are times when the shepherd leads his flock through deep valleys of darkness. The sheep must totally depend on the shepherd as he leads them. We, too, would rather be on top of the mountain where life is good and all seems fine. But real life is not always experienced on the mountain top. Our shepherd, Jesus, also leads us through the dark valleys in life.

In Matthew 27:46-50 we read of the dark valley that Jesus went through on the cross.

"About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice,

'Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?'&emdash;which means,

'My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?'

When some of those standing there heard this, they said, 'He's calling Elijah.'

Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge.

He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a stick, and offered it to Jesus to drink.

The rest said, 'Now leave him alone. Let's see if Elijah comes to save him.'

And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice,

he gave up his spirit" (New International Version).

 

In Luke 23:46 we read,

"Jesus called out with a loud voice, 'Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.'

When he had said this, he breathed his last" (NIV).

Jesus knows and understands the dark valleys we go through. As He was dying on the cross a deep darkness covered the earth. Jesus cried out, "My God, my God why have you forsaken me?" At that moment the Father in Heaven turned away as His only begotten Son took all the sins, guilt, shame, and grief of the world. Our "deepest valleys" were laid upon Jesus. Jesus took His last breath and said, "Father, into Your hands I commit (yield up) my spirit."

In John 19:30 Jesus said,

"It is finished! (NIV).

Jesus went to the cross for us and paid the price, once and for all. He took our battles, our deepest fears and lowest valleys upon Himself.

In Revelation 1:17b-18b we read,

"Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last.

I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever!" (NIV).

The good news, the VERY GOOD NEWS, is that we are not alone. JESUS IS WITH US! And He calls out to us, "DO NOT BE AFRAID!"

Friend, I do like being on the mountain top just like, I'm sure, you do. However, when I am going through the valley, this poem comforts and encourages me. May this poem be a blessing to you.

"In the Valley" Author Unknown

 

Sometimes life seems hard to bear,

Full of sorrow, trouble and woe

It's then we have to remember

That it's in the valleys we grow.

 

If we always stayed on the mountain top

And never experienced pain,

We would never appreciate God's love

And would be living in vain.

 

We have so much to learn

And our growth is very slow,

Sometimes we need the mountain tops,

But it's in the valleys we grow.

 

We do not always understand

Why things happen as they do,

But I am very sure of one thing.

My Lord will see me through.

 

The little valleys are nothing

When we picture Christ on the cross

He went through the valley of death;

His victory was Satan's loss.

 

Forgive me Lord, for complaining

When I'm feeling so very low.

Just give me a gentle reminder

That it's in the valleys I grow.

 

Continue to strengthen me, Lord

And use my life each day

To share Your love with others

And help them find their way.

 

Thank You for the valleys, Lord

For this one thing I know

The mountain tops are glorious

But it's in the valleys I grow!

 

MY PRAYER: Father in Heaven, thank You for sending Your only begotten Son, Jesus, our very good Shepherd, to die on the cross for us. I pray that we will experience your joy on the mountain top and your peace in the valley as we recognize You are always with us. Thank you that we are never alone. AMEN.