Discovering Shalom in an Ancient Poem Week 6
I hope you have been enjoying the Listening on the Journey … posts these past few weeks on Psalm 23. Today, I will explore verse 4, words often expressed at a person’s end-of-life remembrance. It is, however, applicable to any “dark valley” season through which each of us will travel. Please read on …
“Even in the darker moments of life, or in death, I will not give way to panic or anxiety. With the Lord with me, there’s no room for fear.”
(Robert Morgan’s paraphrase of Psalm 23:4 in The Lord is My Shepherd – Resting in the Peace and Power of Psalm 23.)
Psalm 23:4 is a transitional verse in this ancient and beautiful poem. In verses 1-3, the Good Shepherd is referenced in the third person. (e.g., “The Lord is …” “He makes me …,” “He leads me …”). In verse 4, the writer moves into second person, addressing the Good Shepherd as “You.” I love that movement!
For several years, I have observed the transition from a “third person” BELIEF in God to a more intimate “second person” TRUST in God. Trust is never more important than when we find ourselves walking through a season of dark, shadowy valleys.
Psalm 23:4 in the King James Version, says,
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”
For any of us who have been with loved ones as they journey from their earthly to eternal existence, we know how sad, scary, and sacred that transition can feel. In the context of this verse, however, the “valley of the shadow of death” is also metaphorical for dark, difficult times in life when it feels like “the bottom falls out.” “Dark valleys” may be relationally, physically, financially, etc. Unknowns—or shadows—are menacing.
Probably my favorite word in this verse is the seven-letter preposition “through.” Even though my life has been—and I imagine will be—difficult or maybe terrifying at times, this verse assures me the Good Shepherd will not leave me forever in the dark, shadowy valley, but leads me through it.
For you “word-nerds” like me, you’ll probably be interested to know the word “through” is used hundreds of times in scripture. And perhaps like me, you love being reminded that God never intends to keep me stuck but rather enjoys leading me “through!”
Finally, the Good Shepherd’s rod and staff bring me comfort.
How is that?
Robert Morgan’s explanation is excellent.
“[The Good Shepherd] has a rod to drive off predators and enemies. He knows how to club the foes that attack me. He also has a staff with the crooked or curved top, so He can snag and snatch me if I get too close to the edge of the precipice. He knows how to restrain my footsteps, how to protect me even from myself and my missteps.
Whether the danger comes from outside myself (necessitating the rod) or my own foolishness (requiring the staff), I have a shepherd who is watching carefully and guarding constantly.” (p. 126)
Shalom to you, whether or not you are traversing a “dark, shadowy” time right now,
