A good number of years ago I climbed Ben Vrackie that sits behind the town of Pitlochry. From the vantage point of the summit I watched a massive bank of rain sweep down the valley. It wasn’t long before a bright and sunny day became rather dark and overcast. I must also say that I experienced a good drenching as a result!
As we come once again to the cherished Psalm 23 let’s remind ourselves of the path that we have travelled so far. In verse two David places emphasis on the rest that the Lord our Shepherd provides for us at the right time.
The terrain changes somewhat in verse three as the thought of our Shepherd’s guidance comes to the fore.
Today we enter a stretch of our journey through life that few of us wish to travel. However, David’s desire for us is that we see, among other things, the protection that Lord gives to his people.
We are no longer enjoying the rich, green pastures or the quiet waters. We now find ourselves in the dark valley.
Depending on which translation of the Scriptures you use will determine how you look on the verse.
Some translations say,
“Even thought I walk through the valley of the shadow of death…” (ESV). Quite clearly the thought is of a Christian looking out onto eternity. Here is a Christian passing from earth, the land of the dying, to heaven, the land of the living.
Others will say something like:
“Even when I walk through the darkest valley…” (NLT)
To translate the verse in this way widens the sentiment to include other crises in life apart from the final one.
Whatever way you look it doesn’t detract from the strength of David’s words or the wealth of meaning we find in this sentence.
David says he walks through this dark valley. It’s almost as if he doesn’t quicken his pace but choses to walk with God. To walk as David did means the steady advance of someone who knows the road, knows its end, resolves to follow the path and feels secure.
There is realism in David’s words. We don’t always experience life as a warm summer’s day, enjoying rich, verdant pastures while resting beside quiet waters. The path of life does on occasions lead us through a dark valley with menacing clouds above us. And yet in these moments Israel’s king is able to rely on key truths about God that believers in every generation have given testimony to. He relies on:
➡️ God’s Presence
“I will fear no evil, for you are with me…”
In the dark valley the Lord is no longer ahead of us to lead us (as in verse 3) but along side us to guard and defend us.
➡️ God’s Protection
“…your rod and your staff…
The rod and staff are the means by which God governs and rules over our lives. C.H. Spurgeon calls them “the ensigns of his sovereignty and of his gracious care.”
The rod was probably a kind of club used in defence to drive away wild animals. It was an instrument of authority. The staff was likely an instrument of support. The rod and staff underline the strength and care of our Shepherd even in the dark moments of life.
➡️ God’s Peace
“…they comfort me.”
Unlike my day on Ben Vrackie, we don’t see ahead of time the steady advance of the storms of life. They hit us when we least expect and often leave us reeling in their wake. That’s why the truths found in Hebrews 13 are so precious in our journey through the dark valley:
“Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.”
(Hebrews 13:20-21)
(picture - Rhue lighthouse)
