Walking Through the Valley of Deep Darkness and Distress

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, (valley of deep darkness) I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me."  Psalm 24:4


Last evening our Life Group shared thoughts on Psalm 23; it has kept me thinking.  The day before I had meditated upon Psalm 118:507a.; "Out of my distress I called on the LORD.  The Lord answered me and set me free.  The Lord is on my side; I will not fear.  What can man do to me?  The LORD is on my side as my Helper..."  The two Scripture readings seemed to dovetail.


The Good Shepherd must sometimes lead His sheep through deep ravines or up steep and narrow mountain paths in order to reach the rich pastures and quiet streams of water that will nourish His sheep.  Those areas can be areas of deep distress and danger. In the caves may be robbers waiting in the shadows to steal a sheep. In the shadows of the rocks or bushes may be wild animals waiting for their next meal. Rain and moisture on the trails can cause a fall, as can narrow trails edged by cliffs. But the sheep must pass through.


The sheep who have come to know their Shepherd are not afraid.  They know that He will take care of them, just as He has in the past.  For the Shepherd carries a rod to drive away the robbers, wolves, bears and lions.  He carries a staff with a hook on the end to gently guide the sheep, keeping the sheep on the path and pulling back the one who is straying or is starting to fall.  The shadows are real; the dangers are real.  But "The LORD is on my side; I will not fear."  "....I will fear no evil."


Why, then, as I in distress?  My Shepherd, the Lord Jesus Christ, is always with me to tenderly care for me and to bring me great blessing.  I must come to know more and more about Him;  I must learn to trust Him completely.  When I sense danger or am in distress, I must cry out to Him.  He will always answer me.  O, what a wonderful Shepherd this ewe lamb has!!