“Even 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.”
– Psalm 23:4
Every day we walk through the valley of the shadow of death. That’s always true in this fallen world, though we can go for very long periods of time without noticing death’s shadow. Part of what’s made the past year so challenging for so many is that we’re much more aware of walking each day through the valley of the shadow of death. That’s very hard for people to cope with when they aren’t used to thinking about it.
Yet we don’t need for fear, despite the awful reality of death. God IS with us. Yes, death will strike us all one day (unless Christ returns first). Yes, death may claim loved ones with little notice and may do so in terrible ways. However, in Christ we need not fear death for He has defeated death. All who believe in Him will likewise pass from death to life.
Moreover, we don’t need to fear living life in the shadow of death. God is with us. His rod and staff protect us and correct us. They give us the courage and comfort we lack. His steadfast love and faithfulness will never depart from us.
As fear rises within you, turn to your shepherd. Go to Him in prayer, tell Him your fears and find strength in His presence. As a Christian, God is not only with you, He’s in you. You’re more than you give yourself credit for, because you’re never alone!