Psalm 23:4
Yeah 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.
I have read Psalm 23 hundreds of times, if not more. It was the first passage I ever memorized, at the young age of six. Recently though these words which speak of the valley of the shadow of death have had new meaning to me. Last month was a trying month for my soul. A close friend of mine tried to commit suicide and very nearly succeeded. Not long after I heard that one of my closest childhood friends was sentenced to life in prison for committing first degree murder. It is expected that one should be shocked when death knocks at your door. It is a reminder that in this dark world - a world which belongs to the prince of darkness, Satan, we truly seem to be in the valley of the shadow of death. Sin has made its mark from the days of the first Adam and the death and decay around us is sure proof. But I who lover the Lord can not fear this death - the shadow of sin's curse. My Lord is surely with me every step in the valley. While I physically see the death on one side of the door, I have entered another door through Christ Jesus - a door where Eternal Life is beside me and heaven awaits. I cross the footstool of heaven every tome I come to him in prayer. It is though he is gently prodding me - guiding me with that comforting rod and staff to remind me not to worry for He is there. O how much my knees have been on that footstool this past month as I have felt the nearness of that shadow of death in the valley. I have been easily led to tears this past month, but I have also found joy and peace in the midst of my King. I know that although death seems to be shadowing my door, mercy and goodness follow my footsteps. O Lord, I look forward most of all to the day when I shall I dwell in Your house forevermore! How I look forward to the day my King, when this life ends and a new life begins! I shall behold the beauty and glory of the Lord. Then, my Lord, YOU shall have erased all shadow of death and the curse from my body, heart, and mind. I shall truly have Christ's robe of righteousness - void of sin and impurity.
Yeah 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.
I have read Psalm 23 hundreds of times, if not more. It was the first passage I ever memorized, at the young age of six. Recently though these words which speak of the valley of the shadow of death have had new meaning to me. Last month was a trying month for my soul. A close friend of mine tried to commit suicide and very nearly succeeded. Not long after I heard that one of my closest childhood friends was sentenced to life in prison for committing first degree murder. It is expected that one should be shocked when death knocks at your door. It is a reminder that in this dark world - a world which belongs to the prince of darkness, Satan, we truly seem to be in the valley of the shadow of death. Sin has made its mark from the days of the first Adam and the death and decay around us is sure proof. But I who lover the Lord can not fear this death - the shadow of sin's curse. My Lord is surely with me every step in the valley. While I physically see the death on one side of the door, I have entered another door through Christ Jesus - a door where Eternal Life is beside me and heaven awaits. I cross the footstool of heaven every tome I come to him in prayer. It is though he is gently prodding me - guiding me with that comforting rod and staff to remind me not to worry for He is there. O how much my knees have been on that footstool this past month as I have felt the nearness of that shadow of death in the valley. I have been easily led to tears this past month, but I have also found joy and peace in the midst of my King. I know that although death seems to be shadowing my door, mercy and goodness follow my footsteps. O Lord, I look forward most of all to the day when I shall I dwell in Your house forevermore! How I look forward to the day my King, when this life ends and a new life begins! I shall behold the beauty and glory of the Lord. Then, my Lord, YOU shall have erased all shadow of death and the curse from my body, heart, and mind. I shall truly have Christ's robe of righteousness - void of sin and impurity.
