Fear Free through the Valley of the Shadow of Death
“Yea, 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.” (Ps 23:4)
It could have been a sorrowful and
fearful journey as I traveled back alone to my home country to face the
deathbed of my beloved father. Yet because of God’s love and comfort, it turned
out to be not so dreadful. The peace of God that I had experienced was beyond
my reasoning and comprehension. I felt that God walked with me all the way
through the valley of the shadow of my father’s death.
Life has many difficulties.
Dealing with troubles and the uncertainty of life is like walking through a
dark valley. We are often worried and stressed. Yet no matter how chaotic the
situation might be, remember that the Lord Jesus Christ is the Lord of
resurrection. He has already overcome death and all things are under His
control. When we put our trust in Him, Jesus is faithful and can carry us
through all the difficulties of life.
Actually the dark valley can be
used as a training ground for us to grow spiritually and climb the higher
plain. Under the shadow of distress and tribulations, we learn to recognize His
protection, chastening, and guidance through the rod and staff of our Good
Shepherd.
The path of righteousness is not
an easy road and may lead us through the valley of the shadow of death. When we
face the challenges of our life and do the holy works of the Lord, we recognize
that human effort alone is inadequate but God’s power is invincible. Those who
rely on God through the power of prayer and submit to His guidance will have
victory over the evil one amidst great spiritual conflict. They will be able to
walk fearlessly through the valley of the shadow of death.
Psalm 23 gives us the assurance
that the Lord is our shepherd. He will guide and protect us with His rod and
staff. If God is with us, why should we be fearful when passing through the
valley of the shadow of death?
Reflection:
1. What dark valley do you walk
now? Has God protected and comforted you with His rod and staff?
2. Under the shadow of sufferings
and tribulations, are you fearful? Have you put your trust in the resurrected
Lord and believed that all things are under His control?