A few years ago, as we went to visit our son, we passed through deep flooding where the road had entirely disappeared. The following year we went to visit our daughters and passed through hours of forest fire. Being rerouted through a deep valley, we drove with fire on each side of us, with thick black smoke overhead and ash falling like rain on our windshield. It makes the Psalm come alive… “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for You are with me…” – (Psalm 23).
Psalm 23 is not a funeral Psalm. It’s a victory Psalm. “Yea, though I walk THROUGH” – not stopping or being defeated in. Jesus has promised, “I am with you.” He points ahead where a table, already elegantly prepared, awaits our exit from the valley. Our heads are even now being “anointed with oil” for future service. Even now, our cup overflows with blessings for each day and promises of good things to come.
This valley is a valley of “the shadow of death" from which “the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus has made us free.” Death can’t have us. When we come out on the other side, we will testify, “We went THROUGH fire and THROUGH water: but You brought us out into a wealthy (overflowing) place” (Psalm 66:12).
The same God who brought Israel through the wilderness, is leading us THROUGH the trials and dangers of this life. “Surely, goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever!” is our triumphant shout to the enemies around us. We’ll exit this valley of death-shadow to enter THROUGH the gates of His City, where an abundant welcome awaits.
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