Psalm 23 is one of the most read chapters of the Bible. But there is more to it than just words on a page. In this devotional, I will scrutinize what these words mean and how they apply to our daily lives as believers today.
There are four observations I'd like to point out here.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me…Psalm 23:4a (KJV)
1. Yea, though I walk through…
Key Point: Endurance
Notice David says he is walking through. He didn't say he is camping out in the valley. The valley is not meant to be a habitation; it is meant to be a visitation. We need to make sure we don't give up when we visit the valley through circumstances in our life, or else it turns into an encampment of misery.
Winston Churchill said, "If you're going through hell, keep going."
We need to endure the pain and suffering of the valley. We have to keep our eyes forward as we keep walking step by step. Don't take your eyes off of the lessons you are learning in the valley. Don't get so discouraged you miss the purpose of the valley.
2. The valley of the shadow of death…
Key Point: Perspective
Notice that the valley of the shadow of death it's a shadow, not death itself. You may feel you are at your end, but you can make it. The enemy tries to cast shadows to scare us. He is a liar and manipulator. He tries to make you think something is going to die. He will tempt you into hopelessness and fears of imminent death. However, we must retain perspective in the valley and ensure we cast God's light in the shadows. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness does not overcome it. Don't allow your circumstance to be bigger than your God.
3. I will fear no evil…
Key Point: Choice
"I WILL fear no evil." David is making an emphatic choice not to fear. He is making the intentional decision to guide his feelings rather than being guided by them. There may be a temptation to fear, but we can choose to walk in faith regardless of the circumstances. The Apostle Paul tells us to "rejoice in all circumstances." He didn't say "for all circumstances," but to rejoice "in" them. We don't get to choose what we go through in life, but we can always choose how we go through it. To rejoice is a choice. It's an internal decision based on faith in God's protection and provision, not on the circumstances around us.
4. For you are with me.
Key Point: Faith
Notice David says to God, "you are with me." He didn't say, you might be with me…or I hope you are with me…or you will be with me…he said you are with me. David knew that no matter how low the valley got, God was with him every step of the way. So many times we are tempted to think God has abandoned us and left us in the valleys of life. We have to understand that even though we may not see where He is, we can trust He's there. When you can't see His hand, you can always trust His heart. And His heart is for us, not against us. He will never lead us to a place where He won't provide for us. We need to walk in faith, not by sight in the circumstances.
Have a blessed week,
Pastor (Rev. Elias Limones)
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