Wednesday, August 20,
2025
Ps
23:1-4
23 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green
pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in
the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley
of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and
thy staff they comfort me.
Everything was going well through the first three verses of
Psalm 23. The Shepherd was a good shepherd. The sheep felt no need that was not
supplied. The pastures were green, and the water was still and cool.
Contentment prevailed so why would anyone leave this place to pass through the
dark valley?
Suddenly the sheep are led
through a valley but
not just any valley. This is the dreaded shadow of death. Verse 4 is the central
verse in this entire chapter. The
focus changes here! Suddenly the shepherd is not “before” the sheep
but “beside” the sheep. He has drawn closer to give clear guidance and
to calm fears. You can hear Him whisper “we are no longer in the pasture, but
it will be alright. I am here with you. Do not be afraid.”
Two instruments are applied in
the dark valley. The
rod is a heavy club with which the Shepherd can stun or kill an attacking
beast. The very sight of it causes the sheep to take courage. Nothing
shall attack unless it first defeats the Shepherd! The staff was the
Shepherd’s crook which would prod and assist the individual sheep. At night the
sheep would pass beneath the rod and be counted and examined. The sheep knew
that to be counted meant that he was valuable to the Shepherd. The Shepherd would
not allow the sheep to be lost.
Today you may be asked to walk
through the “vale of deep darkness.” You may learn of some fearful illness in your body, or
you may be challenged with a circumstance where winning is not guaranteed. The
Shepherd is there. Huddle close to him and feel the folds of His robe as you
walk along. Keep moving because
there is an end to this valley. Yes,
it is dark, but the Shepherd knows the way and will not let you be lost or
suffer damage. Verses 5 and 6 take place on the other side of the valley!
Ps
23:5-6
5 Thou preparest a table before me in
the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth
over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow
me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Dear Shepherd of the sheep, today you
may lead some through the valley. Keep them safe by rod and staff. AMEN
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