January 2010

“Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death…”

Every country has such a place.  Libya has the Sahara… “A waterless sea of sand and stone, where scorpions infest, vipers slither, and the sun has no mercy.”  Chile has one of the most hostile environments on the earth. The Atacama Desert’s total rainfall is just half an inch a year and situated in the middle is the Socompa Volcano that spews an atmosphere more akin to Mars than Earth.

Our own country has Death Valley, the name itself describing the sober landscape it represents.   Between Pakistan and Afghanistan lies the Khyber Pass, the narrow and bloody route trampled by the Scythins, White Huns, Seljuks, Tartars, Mongols and a host of others including Alexander the Great.  Perhaps none other represents the Valley of Shadows more precisely.

I have often wondered where David’s valley was located.  He names it as a location, not a poetic illusion.  A valley filled with tribulation of heart and flesh that could only be depicted by death itself.  It was there that he occasioned to lead his sheep, obviously knowing the path and having the means to pass through the dangers without fear.

Psalm 23 is quoted most often at the end of a life.  While you read this, in funeral homes and graveyards around the world, the psalm is being repeated over coffins and graves to bring comfort and solace to shattered lives.  Therein lies the problem because this is not a psalm of the dead but of the living.  Notice the words David writes,

I walk THROUGH the valley of the shadow of death.

There is only one time in every life that the trek through this dark valley takes the path of no return.  Every other occasion is one that passes through this valley.  For the novice, the very shadows of trouble causes many to shrink back.  For the faithless, the thought that a person might take the trek freezes the heart and stammers the steps.  For the lazy and undisciplined, the ease of life is far more important than the promise of  “a table prepared before me.”

Maybe you have never passed this way and I pray that you will be spared this valley.  Jesus taught us to pray “Lead us not unto temptation” after all.  Be assured though, life will lead every believer to the badlands of trouble and to go with the confidence of God’s truth is the best preparation for the humble of heart.  Here are some of the great truths from this Traveler’s Psalm.

“The Lord is my Shepherd”

David the Shepherd had a Chief Shepherd.  He was not declaring himself a sheep but a journeyman who looked to the most experienced and named Him his Lord.  In this world filled with an expectation of safety and security, the slightest rock of the boat sends many into their final prayers.  David knew though that, The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear?  the Lord is the defense of my life, whom shall I dread?  Psalm 27:1

“For You are with me”

Charles Spurgeon wrote,

“Trembling Brother, you would feel perfectly safe if you had your eyes opened to see the companies of angels that surround you.  You would rejoice in your security if you saw horses of fire and chariots of fire encompassing you.  But such defenses are as nothing compared with those which are always around you!  God is better than myriads of chariots!  God is with every one of His children!  We dwell in Him and He dwells in us.  A vital, everlasting union exists between every believing soul and God – then what cause can there be for fear?”

You must choose between temporary comfort and God’s continual presence.  God does not abandon you and is faithful when we are unfaithful.  Many turn from the direction where God leads to hold on to the baggage of worldly dross.  Remember the rich young ruler?  God’s presence is “the ever present help” while all else weighs us down in our journey.  Which one will you choose?

“Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life”

It bears repeating, the valley is to be passed through, not overcome by.  And the promise of God is that every valley will produce the fruit of God’s Spirit in goodness and lovingkindness.  David did not fear the valley swallowing him.  He did not question whether or not he would be overcome by the death the valley boasts.  Instead he looked toward the rest of his life that he knew would follow.  When you know the God you serve there is no need to fear the valley you traverse.

In the darkest of times you can experience the goodness and lovingkindness of the Father.  It may be dry as a desert.  The shadows of your valley might resemble death.  At times, the physical challenges can be overwhelming.  Yet God’s presence and His provision are ours as we simply follow Him on His path.   And you are here to pass through this valley.

Many years ago, a wiser man than I quoted a familiar bible phrase noted throughout the old and new testaments over 200 times… “It has come to pass.”  But he changed the inflection and taught me a lifelong lesson.  Now, I always remember that whatever valley of shadows I walk in, “It has come, TO PASS.”

Are you passing through a valley right now?  Remember… The Lord is your Shepherd and He is with you now.  This valley is one you will pass through and not be consumed by.  Why?  Because it has come, to pass.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.
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.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.

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