Focus on the Shepherd Not your Situation

David finds soul victory in the middle of the night. He will more than survive he will thrive. You do not have to be survivor you can be a victor. Look to the Shepherd

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. Psalm 23:4.

David is in great danger. He compares what is happening to something he knew as a shepherd, the “Valley of the Shadow of Death.”

The Actual Valley

In the USA, we have “Death Valley,” but in Israel, they have the “Valley of the Shadow of Death.”

The “Valley of the Shadow of Death” probably refers to the Kidron Valley just outside Jerusalem. Its depth and angle cause it to remain in the shadows most of the day. But even more shocking is that the Kidron Valley was associated with the burning and disposing of idols and contained the graves of common people.

On the night of His arrest, Jesus crossed the Kidron Valley to reach the Garden of Gethsemane, where He experienced intense anguish before His crucifixion.

People debate the exact location of the “Valley of the Shadow of Death,” but these thoughts make a strong case.

The Valley is sure to cause one to think of fear and anxiety, isolation, loneliness, and great testing.

Danger

David is in great danger. His son and the Israelite army are on their way to attack and kill David. For David, the night is very dark, like Job said here:

A land of darkness, as darkness itself; And of the shadow of death, without any order, And where the light is as darkness. Job 10:22.

David is walking, proceeding, moving, or traveling through this Valley. For him, it is as dark as night or a deep cave. It is a valley of treason or seeing his son, the traitor. The traitor is in hiding, waiting to attack.

Personal

David speaks indirectly of the danger he is facing. We, too, face shadows, threats, and dangers that seem to lie in wait to destroy us.

Maybe you are dealing with a life-threatening illness, cancer, or something that incapacitates you. Perhaps you have lost someone who is very close to you, and you can’t see moving forward or living without them, but we all know about these dangers.

Others face economic hardships, loss of work, marriage, or family problems. Addictions, habits, and even thoughts of suicide may plague some.

We are in danger, or at least feel like we are. We want to survive.

For that reason, this psalm resonates with us.

Yea, though, I walk through the Valley of the Shadow of Death.

Truth

David knows he is in danger, but his focus is not on his situation, but on his Shepherd. He knows the Shepherd will see him through. Yea, though I walk “through,” As we go further into this thought, you will see how to have victory.

Notice that David doesn’t mention his situation until he has focused long and hard on his Shepherd.

The solution is where you focus. David has a hope. He sees he is going through because he sees the Shepherd.