Though I Walk Through the Valley
Minister: |
Rev. Ronald Van Overloop |
Date: |
5/25/2014 AM
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Text:
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Psalm 23:4
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Psalters: |
35, 103, 211, 52 |
- The valley.
- The figure is that of sheep going to or from high pastures, and the best way to travel was through the valleys.
- The spiritual reality is that death’s shadow often hangs over the heads of God’s people in this present evil world.
- Death surrounds the believer: plants, animals, loved ones.
- Also there is the presence of “evil.”
- Thus there is much occasion for fear for our safety, whether our Shepherd will forsake us when we sin.
- But the sheep of God have no reason to fear when they walk through the valley.
- The chief reason we need not fear the fearful shadows of the valley is because the Shepherd is “with me.”
- When our eyes adjust to the shadow we see that He is with us.
- Also we see that our Good Shepherd went before us through the valley, and He did so because of His love for His sheep.
- And this Good Shepherd is now “with” us as we walk through the valley.
- As valleys are the best way to climb a mountain range, so they are the best way to higher spirituality.
- We walk “through” them on our way to higher ground.
- Also we realize that in the valley we find refreshing water and temporary pasturage as we travel.
- Thus “I will fear no evil.”
- My Shepherd’s presence is in His “rod and staff.”
- The idea of the Shepherd’s rod and staff.
- His “rod” is an extension of the shepherd’s arm, portraying his strength and his authority.
- His “staff” was shaped and designed for sheep.
- “Thy” rod and staff indicate that these are but instruments in the hand of the Good Shepherd. A great comfort!!
- If we believed that the strike or touch of the Good Shepherd was not love, then we would be very frightened.
- But the presence of my Shepherd, also with His rod and staff, assures me of His care, of His protection, of His guidance, and of His undying love.
- And then we know that we shall be brought where the light never becomes shadow but shines always brightly.