We're Just Passing Through
Yes, though I walk through the [deep, sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I will fear or dread no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort me. Psalm 23:4 (Amplified Bible Classic Edition, AMPC)
At times, it may feel like we are in the valley of the shadow of death. As we go through such times, we must keep in mind the words of the Psalmist who said “though I walk THROUGH,” meaning he knew he was just passing through and would not stay in that place. I have heard it said that every trouble has an expiration date. This is true. If we will stick with God through difficult situations, He will bring us out on the other side safe and sound and usually with a harvest of increase in our lives. Remember- Job received double for his trouble- and he was not even a partaker of the New Covenant!
The world is heading into a dark valley. We can all sense it in our spirits. The valley will be the valley of the SHADOW of death for believers, meaning it will look bad, but we will protected through it. For the wicked it will be the valley of DEATH itself. They will be judged for their wicked acts and evil intentions. The promise of protection noted in Psalm 23 is for those who walk with the Good Shepherd, the children of God. The children of the world have no such promise or guarantee.
As we walk through this valley, we must keep in mind that it is temporary and we will come out of it. As we trust the Lord, putting our faith in His rod of protection and His staff of guidance, we will make it through unscathed. Like Shadrach, Meschach, and Abednego, we won’t even have the smell of smoke on us.
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the Lord your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior; Isaiah 43:1-3 (NKJV)
As we pass through this valley, the world may suffer lack and shortages, but we will have our needs supplied. Violence may abound on every side, but we are safe in the the protective care of our Good Shepherd and Savior, Jesus Christ. As the darkness of the valley seems to envelop the world, we can rejoice, knowing that God is taking care of us, even preparing a table before us in our enemy’s presence!
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my [brimming] cup runs over. Surely or only goodness, mercy, and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life, and through the length of my days the house of the Lord [and His presence] shall be my dwelling place. Psalm 23: 5-6 (Amplified Bible Classic Edition, AMPC)
