Psalms 23

The valley of the shadow of death is not talking about death, but a time in someone’s (David’s) life where death either figuratively or literally is looming.  It’s shadow is all around, but yet the LORD is faithful to see us through it.  He is the good shepherd.  We trust Him to guide us through the dark, the scary, the discouragement, the shadow of death. He will not put to shame the trust we have in Him. (Rom. 5:5)  He does it for His name’s sake.  He wants people to trust Him, He will not suffer His name and character to become untrustworthy.  The rod and the staff sometimes gently direct my way, other time the beat my behind, but there is comfort in knowing the heart of Him whom bears the staff.   He is the good shepherd, even when it hurts.

His blessings are visibly seen in the darkest of times.  It’s like a dinner table prepared with all the fixings, and all of God’s enemies behold it.  They see the blessings of those who trust in God.  There’s never a more clearer time to see God’s blessings than in the midst of tribulation, the shadow of death.