Psalm 23:4 (NKJV) “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.”
The Hebrew word for “shadow of death” is used in a poetic sense for thick darkness. Figuratively it means a place of deep distress. In Job 10:21: 12:22 its the description of Sheol.
In other words it is a place where you are in such deep despair and hopelessness that you’re not sure if you’re emotionally are going to survive this place of deep darkness. There are moments where it is hard even to take a breath. You feel like you are dying or you are so broken that you almost want to die. Often it is a place where you are desperately alone and you don’t know what tomorrow will bring. We have all been there.
In this place of deep darkness and distress that the writer of this Psalm attributed to David gives us in sight that we need to cling/hold onto when we are “walking through this valley.” Its important that we understand that we are walking through the valley it is not our permanent residence. We will make it out of this valley. He declares that he will not fear. When we are in this valley fear is our number one enemy. We must not allow fear to over take us but to say with a loud voice “I WILL NOT FEAR. Because He is My shepherd. The shepherd who will be with us through everything that life will being our way. Yes, even in the deepest darkness and despair The Lord says to us, “FOR I AM WITH YOU.” you might not feel it, but the truth is we are NEVER EVER ALONE. His rod (his ability to protect us) and staff (his ability to led us) will never waver.
David knew as an earthly shepherd that God was his shepherd (the Lord is MY SHEPHERD). That as a faithful shepherd he will always provide what is needed in our journey. When everything has flooded our lives like walking through hades (hell) your GOD IS THERE. So many times I had to remind myself that I am only passing through this valley.
Yes, its another valley one that we all have been too and one that in all likelihood we pass through again. I can’t begin to recount all the times i have been in this valley of the shadow of death and I had to remind myself over and over again that he has told me and told you - “I AM WITH YOU”. He didn’t say. MAYBE I’LL BE WITH YOU”.