Psalm 23 A psalm of David.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil,

for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.  (V. 4 [NIV 1984 ed.])

The Lord our shepherd is not only a provider, but is also a protector. The valley of the shadow of death could also be translated “the valley of deep darkness.” I think this gets at both the sense of the nearness of physical death and also the darkness of feeling distant from God or deeply despondent in life, such as we find in Psalm 88. David’s fears were calmed as he meditated on the shepherd’s tools of the trade in the hands of the divine Shepherd. David himself had protected his father’s sheep from bears and lions with the rod. And with his staff he had directed them to places of food, drink, and rest. How much more is the Lord able and willing to protect and lead those under his care! Many times we see that our shepherd has quite literally protected us from physical death. Other times he protects us from despair in the face of death.

Facing his own imminent death for sinners, Jesus kneeled in the Garden of Gethsemane and prayed three times, My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will (see Matthew 26:36-46). Our Shepherd truly understands his sheep. He knows. In fact, our Good Shepherd is also our Great High Priest: Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:14-16). Let us do so, even now.

PRAYER: Dear Lord our Shepherd, thank you for being the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort we have received first from you.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.