“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.” (Psalm 23:4 New King James Version)
Even when your path takes me through the valley of deepest darkness, fear will never conquer me, for you already have! Your authority is my strength and my peace. The comfort of your love takes away my fear. I’ll never be lonely, for you are near.” (Psalm 23:4 The Passion Translation)
“Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4 New Living Translation)
“Even though I walk through the [sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort and console me.” (Psalm 23:4 Amplified Bible)
“Even when I go through the darkest valley, I will fear no danger, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff – they comfort me.” (Psalm 23;4 Holman Christian Standard Bible)
“Even if I shall walk in the valleys of the shadow of death, I will not be afraid of evil, because you are with me, your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23;4 Aramaic Bible in Plain English)
We started in verse 1 being reminded of how all provision flows out of identity. A distorted view of the Shepherd’s identity opens the door for a distorted view of my identity. This is a deadly combination as it shuts the door on my provision for living the life that my Daddy (the Shepherd) intends for me to live, and opens the door for my enemy to steal, kill, and destroy.
In verse 2 we looked closser at the provision that our Daddy has for us, and were reminded that it was provision for the “here and now,” not just for the “sweet by and by.”
Verse 3 focused on the areas of “renewal” and “righteousness.” I act righteously because I am already righteous. Religion has it backwards as it teaches me to strive to be righteous through my outward behavior. it just doesn’t work!
Today I am moving into verse 4. The key words to this verse are “through” and “You.” While there are times and seasons of “death” and “darkness” that push themselves into my life, they are temporary. I am instructed on how to thrive during these dark times by realizing that I am moving through them. It seems that it is far easier to live with a bent toward looking for trouble than it is to continually look for blessing.
I live “in” two Kingdoms, but only “from” one of them.I get to choose which one will be my dwelling place. The Kingdom of Darkness is all around me, and is highly visible. While the Kingdom of Darkness is a “spritual” kingdom ruled by a fallen angel that goes by the name of satan, it is a kingdom that is primarily involved with the physical/material realm. It is a kingdom that is “external” to me. All I need to do is go on my TV, smart phone, computer, or venture out on the streets at night, to see this kingdom. The media is infatuated with this kingdom calling it “news.” It takes absolutely no faith to recognize and embrace this kingdom. Perhaps this is why the writer of Psalm 23 wanted to remind me that I was moving through this kingdom (valley) and not staying there.
The Kingdom of Light is also a “spiritual” kingdom. This Kingdom resides within me. This is the Kingdom “from” which I live. This Kingdom operates by faith as it is rarely “seen” with my physical eyes prior to experiencing it. While I am walking “through” the Kingdom (valley) of Darkness (death), I am living in (from) the Kingdom (mountain) of Light (life). When I am walking through the valley of death all I need to do is turn on the light and the darkness is dispelled. Even more important than realizing that I am walking “through” is to know that I am walking with “You” (my Daddy).
God is Love. Perfect love casts out fear. When I keep all of my attention and affection on the Giver of perfect love I am able to be in the center of the valley and experience absolutely no fear. He protects and provides lavishly regardless of what my senses try to tell me. His Kingdom outshines anything that the other kingdom can throw at me. Daddy, as I walk “through” with “You” I will fear no evil, danger, trouble, or difficulty. I will live above anything that this world puts in my path.
Let’s embrace…
…Eric’s Life Lesson # 207 Life With the Shepherd (Psalm 23) Part 5 – Verse 4