Walking through the valley of the shadow of death!
Psalm 23:4 says, “Ye, 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”.
One thing that could come to mind reading through Psalm 23 is “How did the shielded, protected and highly favoured sheep find himself in the valley? Not just any valley, but the valley of the shadow of death? Why did the Shepherd allow him go through such a scary route? The fact of the matter is that sometimes life takes you to a place where death is so close you could actually see its shadow.
ALSO READ: Lockdown day 7: Motivational message of the day
A good example is where the world is right now, with the unprecedented situation of an unseen and “almost ever-present” pandemic having infected over 1 million people in the world as it stands. People all over are afraid. Stories of economic downturn, infections and the news of death are everywhere you care to turn!
Nevertheless, I bring you good news. In the holy scriptures, God through David said you will not abide in “this valley” forever, neither will you die there. You are walking through! Fear no evil! God is with you! Trust your shepherd! In this season of Easter, Jesus reaffirms his position as the shepherd being referred to in this Psalm because he called himself the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. He will not let you die (John 10:11).
ALSO READ: Lockdown day 6: Motivational message of the day
Stay safe, pray and do the right thing according to the governmental and medical advice. I assure you, by the confidence in the grace and mercy of God, that this too shall pass, in Jesus’ mighty name!
Bible verses
John 10:11 – “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” (KJV)
Hebrews 2:14-15 – “Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; [15] And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.” (KJV)
John 10:10 – The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” (KJV)
2 Timothy 1:7 – “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” (KJV)
Prayer
Dear Lord, thank you for being the good shepherd. You lay down your life for me to give me life forever more! I know that whatever valley I am in now I’m gonna walk through it because you are with me! I refuse to live in the shadow of the fear of death. I embrace your love, peace and freedom now and for the rest of my days. In Jesus mighty name! Amen
