Psalm 23 – Part 6

“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

For me, part of the joy of “mountain top” experiences is in the fact that the journey there hasn’t been particularly easy, nevertheless, I persevered, gone through some stuff and eventually reached my goal.

The apostle Paul, put it like this: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7). He certainly went through some pretty tough valley experiences, even as some other versions talk about the valley being “the shadow of death”.  This included imprisonment, severe beatings (flogged, stoned, whipped), three shipwrecks, dangers from rivers, bandits and false believers, alongside constant hunger, cold and sleeplessness. (2 Corinthians 11:16-33 & 2 Corinthians 6:3-10)

Now, why is it that the shepherd has to lead the sheep through these valleys in the first place. Well, you see in the middle east and other places in the world, during the summer months, sheep are much better off grazing on the higher mountains because the heat below will not be conducive to great green pastures. Of course, the sheep can’t stay up the mountains because of snow and poor conditions during the winter months. So, the skilled shepherd will lead his sheep along the valleys and up to the higher ground. However, valleys can be fraught with danger; wild animal predators, bandits or sheep rustlers and possible landslides of snow or floods as the snow thaws.

In the midst of dark and difficult valleys, I know that I should not fear, the Lord is always with me. “The LORD is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid”. (Psalm 27:1) “For God has not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, and love and a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7). “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31) The One who is in me, is greater that the one who is in the world. (1 John 4:4).

“Valley” experiences are necessary and an essential part of life. There are so many examples of how this can be seen in real life. I’ve just watched some highlights of the Tyson Fury fight against Arslanbek Makhmudov last night. Tyson had to endure a gruelling 16 month training camp, away from his family and in the end it paid off. Although, I would say that Thailand, where he trained must have provided some pretty awesome moments away from the training. This idea of highlights in the midst of a gruelling training camp, brings me to my next thought. Sooner or later we will find that it’s in the valleys of our lives that we can find refreshment. It’s in those dark and difficult moments that we really feel God’s strength and anointing which pulls us through. Indeed “His grace is sufficient for me, and His power is made perfect in my weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9).

One of the greatest blessings of going through a difficult and painful valley experience is that with the same comfort that we have received from God, we can comfort others. (2 Corinthians 1:4). For example, the best person to get alongside a person suffering from a bereavement is someone who has also gone through that horrific experience themselves.

Deep down, I know that I shouldn’t try and avoid valleys; the places of trials and difficulties, because If I face them, it will produce stamina and character. I should fully take on board what James says: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:1-4). This is also confirmed by Paul who states: “Not only so, but we glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” (Romans 5:4).

Let’s now consider the last part of this vers that states: “your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”  In biblical times, a shepherd would have travelled light and a rod and staff would have been considered essential items. A rod was smaller than the staff, almost like a truncheon. A modern equivalent, I suppose would be a hand pistol that a shepherd could also take alongside his rifle. A skilled shepherd could hurl it at an approaching predator or to discipline or correct a wayward sheep. The bible says this about the Word of God. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). We can also use the Word as our own “rod” to hurl at the enemy, just like Jesus did when he was tempted and said “It is written!” (Matthew 4:1-11).

A staff could be used by a shepherd to push or haul it up if it was cast down, with its legs up in the air, unable to get up.  Psalm 19:7 states: “The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul…” A staff can also help a sheep caught, by its wool in a thicket.

A good shepherd will use his rod to part the sheep’s wool so that will reveal any skin problems or illnesses. The Bible, which is our “rod” acts like a mirror revealing faults and sin. (James 1:23-25).

A shepherd will also use his rod and staff to count his sheep. “I will take note of you as you pass under my rod, and I will bring you into the bond of the covenant.” (Ezekiel 20:37).

If we are disciples and believers in Jesus, we have been counted as one of His sheep who hears His voice and know Him (John 10:27-28). When he does His “counting” and notices we have gone missing, He will “leave the ninety-nine to go after the one” (Luke 15:1-7).

My brothers and sisters, we need to persevere, even if we find ourselves right in the middle of the “valley of the shadow of death”. Remembering that it is just a shadow of death. Even if, the worst comes to the worst and we lose our physical life. We, as believers know that death is just a gateway into eternal life. Death has lost its sting! (1 Corinthians 15:55). “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ.” (Philippians 1:6).

“I have told you these things, so that in me, you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I (Jesus) have overcome the world!” (John 16:33) “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.” (John 10:28).

Next time we will look at “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.”