through the valley
Psalms 23:1-6
In this life there are what some call peaks and valleys. Here David reminds us of the journey of life that often leads through the valley.
See: Psalms 84:5-7 The valley of Baca (weeping)
Perhaps David, writing this psalm, remembers some of the journeys of the sheep that required passing through the valleys. In these valleys there was always present danger.
Vs.4 Although I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil because you will be with me.
Comment: We have come to a place in this psalm that is even more personalized. The pronouns “I” and “You” are used
Comment: There are times in the seasons when the shepherd spends an enormous amount of time with the sheep. It is by doing this time that an intimate and personal relationship develops.
Mention: Moses and David were shepherds who became great leaders of the people of God, perhaps because of their experience as shepherds.
There are several key things I want to share about Vs.4
Point: The valley is a very treacherous place. It is there where the disappointments, the difficult days, the disasters and the dark days of life are experienced.
1. The valley is predestined for all of us
Job 5:7 But man is born to anguish, as sparks fly upwards
Job 14:1 Man born of woman is of a few days, and full of troubles
a. God’s Providence
Mention: In the book of Job a key statement is made about his experiences in the valley “There was a day” Job 1:6, 13 and 2:1
Valley experiences are sudden and unexpected that leave no time to prepare or plan.
Phillip Keller writes: The shepherd never leads the sheep down a path they have never traveled before, and this is true of our Good Shepherd. He knows what we are going to face in the valley.
Comment: We must remember that He Himself also had to travel through the valley (speaking of Calvary)
Comment: It is important for us to know that the sheep are not in the valley by accident, but rather we are led through the valley.
Vs.2 Alongside still waters it leads me
Vs .3 He will guide me in the paths of justice…
Vs.4 Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death…
2. The Valley Is A Place Of Refreshment And Growth
Statement: No one likes to talk much about valley experiences or even seek such experiences, but they are unavoidable for us.
b. God’s Purpose
Point: We must know that in God’s providence there is always a divine purpose, and it is for us and not against us. Referee. Romans 8:28
Statement: The valley of difficulties, disappointments, and discouragement is not meant to be a dead end for us.
“Even if I go through it… ;”
c. God’s Provision
Point: It is in the valley that the shepherd knows that water runs and where there is water there is also green vegetation. This is a sign of God’s refreshing hand sustaining us through our valley experiences.
d. god protection
“I will fear no evil, for you will be with me”
Comment: I believe in the valley the presence of God is the greatest if we look for it.
Mention: 2 Tim. 4:17 Yet the Lord was with me
Mention: Hebrews 13:5-6 I will not leave you nor forsake you, so that we can say that the Lord is my helper, and I will not forsake you. Fear what man does to me.
Mention: 1 Kings 20:28 The Syrians said that God is the God of the mountains, but He is not the God of the valleys, but they were very wrong because God does His greatest work there.
Comment: Due to lack of fear they carefully walk through the valley
3. The valley is the path to the top of the mountain
These mountains are not designed for us to go around or under them, but through them!
Phillip Keller writes about one of his experiences in the valley: His wife dying of cancer and how God carefully guided them through it all.
Point: Here David does not speak of dying, but even in that greater height the son of God reaches it.
Vs.4 Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.