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. (Ps 23: 4)

This beautiful and beloved psalm of David expresses the tender care that the Lord, his shepherd, provides for him. In verses 1-3, this Shepherd aims at David’s delights. The Lord delights David by satisfying his wants, providing him green pastures, leading him beside still waters, restoring his soul and guiding him in the paths of righteousness.

In verse 4, however, the psalm takes a turns from how the shepherd aims at his delights to what he does in the time of danger. What the Lord offers David and you in the time of danger is His presence. With His presence: (1). You can walk calmly and do not have to run through trouble. (2). You are conscious that in order for there to be a shadow of death, there must be a light somewhere. The shadow may momentarily block your sight of the light, but the existence of the shadow assures you of the presence of the light. (3). You consider that though you may have to face evil, do you not have to fear the evil; and (4). You have His company and His company gives you courage and comfort.

Sometimes, you believe you can make it through as long as you have someone with you as you go through. This psalm lets you know that, even at the darkest and most dangerous times, the Lord, who is our Shepherd, is with you.