Focus: My Shepherd Is With Me!

Text: Ps.23:4

"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."

David as sheep has been talking ABOUT his Shepherd; now he is talking TO Him. When we experience the goodness of our Shepherd we talk about Him. We testify of Him. When we face life's challenges and difficulties we talk to Him. We call upon him and seek His support and company. When we are down in the valley of deep darkness, where we find it hard to see our way through, we call upon Him and talk to Him.

When we find ourselves going through the dark and dangerous valley of life, it is then we cherish most the reality of God's presence and appreciate the tools of divine comfort - His rod and staff.

David says, "Yea though I walk through the valley…" The little word 'yea' tells us that trouble is a possibility in this dark world of ours. Trouble is not something that may or may not come our way. No, it is something that really comes from time to time! If it hasn't come yet, then it's lurking in the corner. In fact it comes at anytime, and sometimes without any warning or prior notice. All of a sudden life happens and things go awry.

Shadow is a pointer to what it represents. It points to something real around the corner. Your shadow points to you. So death's shadow points to death. The shadow of evil points to the reality or presence of evil. Shadow points to something that is very close - a present reality. 

Another point about the shadow is that it does not harm anyone, but it points to the fact that the real thing which it points to is somewhere around the corner. So we must beware; we must be cautious of it.

We walk through - not run through or fly over. It's normal to walk. Nothing is at stake. No cause for alarm. No threat in sight. We don't run away from trouble; we go through it. The sheep need not be alarmed in the valley of the shadow of death, because the Shepherd is present to ensure that the sheep confidently walk through it. The presence of the Shepherd is the sheep's security against every foe. The sheep need not fear any foes in the presence of the shepherd. Their security is guaranteed by His presence. The Shepherd guides and guards the sheep in the valley of the shadow of death. Shadow here speaks of a dark place or terrain - a horrible darkness that frightens. Remember that Moses entered into the thick darkness where God was! In the same vein, David sees God as being with him in this terribly dark place. 

The absence of God is the worst misery that a man can suffer in this life. We are powerless without God's company.

The only comfort we can find in this world comes from our Shepherd. His rod and staff comfort us. His rod of discipline and staff of redemption bring comfort to our soul. The rod and the staff are tools in the shepherd's hands. He uses them for the good of the sheep - the club and the crook. If nothing else works for the sheep, the club and the crook work, and if all else fails, the sheep can count on the club and the crook - they never fail to do their jobs. They protect and prevent - secure and restrain. The crook speaks of a mild constraint. The shepherd wisely controls the sheep with it. The club is a weapon against predators - forces that threaten the sheep's life and peace. 

In our earthly journey we need God's supernatural guidance and restraint.

David says, "I will fear no evil." It's important to know that "shadow of death" is one word in the Hebrew, and it means 'deep darkness.' It is a kind of night or an eclipse. The evening has suddenly entered its night of perilous darkness. It is the deadly dark place where evil lurks.

The sheep depend on the sure presence of the shepherd in times of need or trouble. The club and crook of the shepherd are the sheep's great asset. David speaks with conviction and confidence. He knows and believes in his Shepherd. He reserves no place for fear in his life. Dangerous spots are no threats to him because of the Shepherd's presence. He trusts and relies absolutely on Him. 

Let's join David in this journey of total trust in God! The Shepherd's presence will preserve us, and with His club and crook He will bring us through. We will soon land on the other side of light away from the terrain of acute darkness. We will smile at last and celebrate the graciousness, goodness, greatness and glory of our Shepherd. Be rest assured that the Shepherd is with us, and He will be with us to the very end - when night turns into day, when death bows to resurrection life, and when time surrenders finally to eternity. The Shepherd is forever with us!

by Bishop Moses E. Peter