Even Though
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil,
for you are with me…” Psalm 23:4 ESV
Psalm 23 is about the ever-present, every-watchful, ever-protective, ever-guiding shepherd of our souls. The psalm is almost the picture of a journey until the resting place in the Lord’s presence, our permanent and real home.
The first two words of verse 4, are to arrest our attention. Perhaps they can viewed as “when I walk through the valley….” for often we relate this verse to being one of comfort at the end of life. But life itself can be filled with many valleys. Valleys that would threaten us with fear, harm and even death.
Even though….. These two words speak to that which we would not expect and certainly not want to be a part of our journey. It is as though, David is saying, “even when you experience the worst place that you could be and the worst experience of life, even then, the Lord is with you.” As Paul, declared, “nothing shall separate us from the love of God….” (Romans 8:39 NIV)
The Lord’s presence provides us with courage and confidence. “I will fear no evil…” Then we see that the journey of life at times takes us “through” the valley. We are not assigned to the valley, the valley is an experience, not a stopping place. I think of some of the classic pictures of Daniel in the lions den. He is not couching, but standing erect with his face toward the heavens, even as lions crouch nearby.
What is the worst situation or circumstance that you could imagine? Whatever it is when it comes, you can have the assurance that the Lord is with you and that His presence will provide the courage and protection to get you to “the other side.”
Prayer for today… Lord while we don’t welcome “the valley of the shadow of death” we are thankful that when it is experienced You are with us. Allow our faith to be strong, our confidence steadfast and our courage to be focused Your promise.