Reflection:  A closer look at Psalm 23

In verse 3 of Psalm 23, everything seems good. The Lord is guiding me along ‘paths of righteousness for his name’s sake’ (ESV). David is probably thinking of the sheep tracks that were carved into the hillsides of his day — paths along which he would lead his sheep from pasture to pasture. These ‘paths of righteousness’ are well-worn trails, trodden by saints of old. They are the paths of ‘good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do’ (Ephesians 2:10, NIV).

Ah, but suddenly in verse 4 the scene changes. Instead of green pastures and still waters, I suddenly find myself in ‘the valley of the shadow of death.’ Most automatically assume that if I find myself in such a valley that I must have wandered off the ‘paths of righteousness.’ While it is possible for a sheep to wander off by itself and find itself isolated and in danger (note Luke 15:4-6), this is not actually what Psalm 23:4 is talking about.

As we follow the shepherd along the paths of righteousness that lead from green pasture to green pasture, these paths will sometimes lead through a dark valley. The sheep become skittish and fearful. On either side there are shifting shadows. A lion’s roar can be heard on the right-hand slope, and a wolf’s howl pierces the darkness on the left. But we must remember that square in the centre of this dark valley there is a path of righteousness upon which the shepherd is leading. As David tells us clearly:

“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.”

Why is the Lord with you in the midst of the valley of the shadow of death? Because he has led you there. However, he has not led you there to stay there. He does not tell you to lie down in the dark valleys. No, he is leading you through the dark valley because he is taking you to a green pasture on the other side.

This is the nature of the shepherd’s guidance. As you get to know the voice of the shepherd, you will discover that there is always the comfort of his presence there, regardless of where he may be leading you.

Prayer:  “Shepherd of my soul, I give you full control.  Wherever you may lead I will follow.  I have made the choice to listen for your voice.  Wherever you may lead I will go.  Be it in a quiet pasture or by a gentle stream.  The Shepherd of my soul is by my side.  Though I face a mighty mountain or a valley dark and deep.  The Shepherd of my soul will be my guide.”*

*lyrics from ‘Shepherd of My Soul’, by Integrity’s Hosanna! Music and Marty Nystrom