Even 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 ESV

I associated the 23rd Psalm with death for most of my life. As a pastor’s daughter, I attended numerous funerals and most of those services––in some way––included Psalm 23. And I understand why. This psalm gives great comfort in times of mourning.

Yet, it’s not only a song to sing when we experience the darkness brought on by the loss of a loved one. It’s a passage to cling to in every dark experience we endure in this life.

Sometimes the darkness is in the form of rejection, an unexpected diagnosis, job loss, familial discord, or a child who walks away from the faith. In these valleys, we battle fear, despair, and doubt.

One miserable valley I’ve circled in and out of throughout my adulthood is a battle with insomnia––an ugly beast not easily defeated. Amid a prolonged period of insomnia, I memorized Psalm 23 so I could recall it during the nights when sleeplessness overwhelmed me.

And so, one night while I was tossing and turning on my bed, muscles aching from a lack of rest, and my nerves screaming for a break, I whispered this psalm and halted at verse 4: Even 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.

My heart instantly quieted and I felt a warm blanket of comfort wrap around my shoulders. It was my Father’s comforting presence with me in the darkness.

Sweet friend, for shadows to appear both darkness and light must be present. In every murky valley we walk through as daughters of God, light will always be there. The light of our Savior is ever with us. We have no reason to fear danger lurking in the corners of the nights that our souls may endure. Our Father holds a rod of protection against any enemy we face.

And not only will He comfort––and defend us––but our Good Shepherd’s presence will dwell with us. With His staff He lovingly guides us safely through the dark valleys we face. Let this truth flood your heart and give you rest.

Pause

Read Psalm 23; Psalm 119:76; John 10:14-18.

Ponder

Consider memorizing Psalm 23. How does knowing God’s presence is with you in every dark valley you face in this life bring comfort to your heart?

Pray

Dear Father, thank You for being my Great Shepherd. Fill my heart with comfort. Help me rely on Your presence to go with me through the dark valleys I walk through in this life. Hold me, guide me, and protect me until the end. In Jesus’ name, Amen.