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 (Ps. 23:4).
How often has this precious promise strengthened Christians as they were finishing life's journey. The rod and staff of Holy Scripture were their stay. The presence of God was with them, and they were as unafraid as a child falling asleep on its mother's breast. All the promises of the heavenly Father were theirs, and His loving-kindness and tender mercy, which had followed them all the days of their life, were with them still.
This promise applies also to the dark valleys we meet in this life. In his Pilgrim's Progress John Bunyan puts the valley of the shadow into this pilgrimage long before the traveler passes through the river beyond which rise the celestial hills. Some of us have traversed dark and dreadful valleys many times and can bear witness that the Lord alone enabled us to come through safely.
Many believers have been pressed, oppressed, and depressed, but still have lived. David said, "He brought me up also out of an horrible pit,...and set my feet upon a rock" (Ps. 40:2). The shepherd's rod and staff were for the protection and care of the sheep. So will the Good Shepherd deliver us. Best of all, He will never leave us or forsake us, even in the dark valley. Sometimes the valley is darker than it needs to be because of our unnecessary fear. On the mantel in the ancient Hind's Hotel in Bray, England, is a legend all may read: "Fear knocked at the door. Faith answered. No one was there."
Father, guide us on life's journey,
Be it day or night;
In each valley of the shadow,
Find in Thee our light.
MEDITATION PRAYER: "O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee" (Ps. 84:12).
How often has this precious promise strengthened Christians as they were finishing life's journey. The rod and staff of Holy Scripture were their stay. The presence of God was with them, and they were as unafraid as a child falling asleep on its mother's breast. All the promises of the heavenly Father were theirs, and His loving-kindness and tender mercy, which had followed them all the days of their life, were with them still.
This promise applies also to the dark valleys we meet in this life. In his Pilgrim's Progress John Bunyan puts the valley of the shadow into this pilgrimage long before the traveler passes through the river beyond which rise the celestial hills. Some of us have traversed dark and dreadful valleys many times and can bear witness that the Lord alone enabled us to come through safely.
Many believers have been pressed, oppressed, and depressed, but still have lived. David said, "He brought me up also out of an horrible pit,...and set my feet upon a rock" (Ps. 40:2). The shepherd's rod and staff were for the protection and care of the sheep. So will the Good Shepherd deliver us. Best of all, He will never leave us or forsake us, even in the dark valley. Sometimes the valley is darker than it needs to be because of our unnecessary fear. On the mantel in the ancient Hind's Hotel in Bray, England, is a legend all may read: "Fear knocked at the door. Faith answered. No one was there."
Father, guide us on life's journey,
Be it day or night;
In each valley of the shadow,
Find in Thee our light.
MEDITATION PRAYER: "O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee" (Ps. 84:12).
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