Shepherd Promise #8: The Darkness

Even if I walk through the Valley of The Shadow of Death,

I will fear no evil...

 

Have you ever had the experience of going through a dark or seemingly dangerous place in the darkness?  Well that is what the literal "Valley of The Shadow of Death" was really like at the time this promise was made.  Some believe this is the road on which the "Good Samaritan" was  believed to have found the man who had been attacked by thieves. It was a place of thieving sheep thieves and robbers.

 

Cliffs, caves and corrupt men all existed together in the dark. This  provided  the perfect combination  for evil to  attack the innocent ones who were all ready afraid.  Yes this was a literal place between Jerusalem and Jericho.

 

Now we may not walk that physical road, but we surely have found some fairly dark places in our journey that we would rather have avoided.  Or would rather avoid today.  At least it would feel much better if we did not have to walk the dark valley of the shadow all alone. And you do not have to walk a lone, unless you choose so.

 

The Good Shepherd promises us  He is indeed with us!  The rod of His Salvation is there to drive off the enemy of our souls, and the Shepherds staff (with the just right bend in it to fit around the belly of the sheep) is there to pick up the sheep when it falls in a crevice. Yes His staff of grace is there to pick us up when we might just fall. So whether He runs off the evil or picks us up when we are down and out, it is clear we are not alone...HE IS WITH US!  As a matter of fact, I am finding, if we focus our faith on the Good Shepherd, it is comforting some how. For His presence is indeed our present.  It is a blessed gift.

 

Don't try to walk the walk or even talk the talk by going through this life on your own.  To do so is insanity.  Take life one day at a time and daily trust and surrender to the Good Shepherd.  You will be glad you did.

 

SoJourner