Into the Valley of the Shadow of
Death
By Elin Henderson
“He leads me in the path of
righteousness for His name sake. Yeah though I walk through the valley of the
shadow of death.”
Psalms 23:3b-4a (NKJV)
What are we to do when the Shepherd’s path of righteousness leads us straight into the valley of the shadow of death? Aren’t those paths supposed to just go through the green pastures and by the still waters? Isn’t restoration, feeding, and ongoing care all part of His pastoral program for us? Then, what in the world are we doing in the valley of the shadow of death?
Oftentimes, the paths of life do not follow the plans we have in our heads. If we come upon suffering, we automatically think it must be because we strayed off the “straight and narrow” and now find ourselves on the wrong trail. We then conclude that God had to come down and put us through a few dark valleys to remind us to stay on the right path. While that could be true, I can’t help but see these two verses in Psalms 23 side-by-side and ask myself, could suffering and deep need be just what He wants for me right now? I didn’t necessarily stray off the righteous path but rather the righteous path took me straight into the valley of the shadow of death.
Many faithful servants over the years of history faced serious suffering. Not always was it a punishment, but many times it was a test of faith and a soul-strengthener. It is in these valleys full of shadows, fear, death, evil, enemies, and the unknown, that our Good Shepherd reminds us time and time again of His presence, never to leave or forsake us. From entry to exit, there is a change that takes place within us as He demonstrates His watchful care over us.
So, the next time you find yourself heading into a valley, remember that the Shepherd has led you there and He won’t abandon you. Allow Him to guide and direct you through the shadows and the death, and may you emerge on the other side, more in love with your Good Shepherd and with a deeper faith in His guidance, direction and care.
GOING DEEPER:
1. What encouragement do you find is Jesus’ purpose and example in suffering for us?
2. How can your valley experience be a help to someone else?
FURTHER READING:
I Peter 2:21, 3:18, 4:19; 2 Corinthians 1:4; Philippians 1:29
Oakwood’s missionaries Elin
Henderson (a registered nurse) and her husband Phil serve as church planters
with New Tribes in Mozambique, Africa. Elin is mother to
fourteen-year-old Callie and twelve-year-old Elias.
