The crack in the center of this mountain
is the narrow valley.
The flat green grass is the "table land" .
“Yes, 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.”
Psalm 23:4 AKJV
Today the garden of my heart is especially beautiful. The hot pink Crape
Myrtles are breathtaking. The orange Tiger Lilies are stunning, and the yellow
Black-eyed Susan’s sway in the breeze. I
can’t imagine this world without color. If I could, I would surround myself
everyday with beautiful flowers, majestic mountains, and gorgeous sunsets. Indeed, God has made everything beautiful!
I believe that the beauty that is
found in creation is there for our inspiration and also to surround us with
such magnificence that deep within our soul we are eye witnesses to the very
existence of God. The Psalmist David also
enjoyed the beauty of creation, yet now he dares to make mention of the “shadow
of death.” What is “the valley of the shadow of death?”
It is my understanding that a good shepherd leads his sheep through the
mountains in order to get to the flat “table land” on the other side of the
mountain. This can be a dangerous journey. Sheep can fall off the rocks
that carve out a valley between the mountains. This is also a place where wild
animals may attack the sheep. This valley is a dark cold place that is void of
sunshine. It is called “the shadow of death” not because you die there but
because the possibility of death is near. Even though the sheep can be unruly,
the shepherd has gone this way many times before and is confident as he leads
his sheep. He knows that once he is through this hard journey the flat “table
land” of refreshment awaits all of his sheep.
When my husband and I were on the island of Hawaii
As I think about the “valley of the shadow of death” it occurs to me
that death is not the problem but it is “the shadow of death” that is the
culprit. This life is the “valley of the shadow of death” and we are
passing through this life on our way
to heaven. Because we live in a world that is rooted in sin we are susceptible
to all kinds of dangers and attacks. Evil rears its head in the form of
darkness, depression and despair. We experience the pain of disappointments,
and the coldness of loneliness. It is the wild attacks from Satan and all of the
unexpected agonizing occurrences of life that send you and me plunging into the
depths of loss and despair. No, it is not death that we as Christians fear, it
is “the shadow of death” that grips our heart and sets our knees to knocking.
Yet, our Shepherd says, “do not fear for I am with you”.
I am so thankful that the psalmist writes; that we “pass through” we
don’t remain in difficulty forever. The “table land” that will be used for
our grazing is just on the other side of our difficulty. It is the Shepherd that
REMAINS with me every step of the
way. I may not see him, hear him, or feel him but the fact is that my Shepherd remains
with me as we travel this life together. The many hardships of life are not
found in death; but rather they are found in “the shadow of death.” Death
itself, if we belong to Jesus will
be glorious!
The shepherd’s rod and staff are the tools of his trade and they are
symbolic of the Holy Spirit. The rod corrects the sheep and the staff leads
and rescues the sheep. Both tools provide comfort to the sheep. My spirit is
comforted to know that my Shepherd also has provided me with comfort and
direction through the work of the Holy Spirit in my life. My job is to RELINQUISH all of my pain and sorrow to
my Shepherd.
Oh, the lessons that I learned in the garden today have been amazing!
It is almost time to leave the garden. I find myself leaning one last time on
the back fence where a Mandevilla vine is adorning the fence with a blanket of
pink blooms. In the distance I see the mountain and if I look really close I
see the valley carved out in the middle of the rock. I can almost see my
Shepherd emerging and I am following close behind. The sight of the flat “table
land” makes my heart leap for joy. Once again the “shadow in the valley of
death” is behind us. My Shepherd and I have come through the dangers of life together and the “table land” of
heaven is in clear sight!
Questions:
- Do you relate to this life being “the shadow of death?”
- What do you fear?
- How do you feel about the knowledge that Jesus remains with you every step of the way through “the valley of the shadow of death” in this life?
- Are you able to relinquish that fear to Jesus, the Good Shepherd?
Prayer:
Dear Father,
Thank you that you will go with
me through every difficulty I will ever encounter. You have promised me that
you would never leave me or forsake me. I find great comfort in that knowledge.
Help me Lord to trust you with every circumstance in my life. I want this day
to relinquish to you ________________. Lead me and guide me through this
difficult time. I take joy in knowing that no matter how hard life may be it is
only temporary. I look forward to the “table land” of heaven and I do not fear
death itself. Father, in this life as I am passing through the valley, please
take hold of my hand and never let it go! Father I know that there is no one
else that I can trust to get me safely home.
In Your Name I Pray. Amen
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