Yea, 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

Today, we can be encouraged.  Because Psalm 23:4 tells us even though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we will fear no evil, for God is with us. He is revealing Himself as the Jehovah Shammah—the Lord ever-present. He says, “I will never leave you; I will never forsake you.” In some Bible versions, the “valley of the shadow of death” is translated as the “valley of deep darkness.” We’ve all had times when we felt alone—that there was no one else there with us. However, God made a covenant with us. He has promised to always be with us, always near us, never to leave us, nor forsake us even when we are going through the deep darkness. In In the Lord, we have completeness, peace, restoration and righteousness, fellowship and companionship with Him, and abundant blessings beyond our wildest imaginings if we will just look for them!

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death. A sudden transition and contrast, such as David loved. The quiet paths of righteousness and peace remind the poet of the exact opposite – the dark and dismal way through the valley of the shadow of death. Even when so situated, he does not, he will not, fear. I will fear no evil, he says. And why? For thou art with me. The same Protector, the same gracious and merciful God, will be still with him – leading him, guiding his steps, shepherding him, keeping him from evil. Thou art with me, thy rod and thy staff – i.e. thy shepherd’s crook, and thy staff of defense – they comfort me. They make me feel that, however long and however dreary the way through the dark vale, I shall still have thy guidance and thy protection (Bible Hub).

In the Lord, we have completeness, peace, restoration and righteousness, fellowship and companionship with Him, and abundant blessings beyond our wildest imaginings if we will just look for them.

Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death — Through a dark and dismal valley, full of terrors and dangers, as this phrase signifies, Job 24:17; Psalm 44:19; Jeremiah 2:6; that is, though I am in peril of death, though in the midst of dangers, deep as a valley, dark as a shadow, and dreadful as death itself: or rather, though I am under the arrests of death, and have received the sentence of death within myself, and have every reason to look upon myself as a dying man: I will fear no evil — I will not give way to my fears, but will confidently rely upon the word and promise of God, persuaded that his grace shall be sufficient for me, and that he will make even death itself work for my good. Observe, reader, a child of God may meet the messengers of death, and receive its summons, with a holy security and serenity of mind. He may bid it defiance, and say with Paul, O death where is thy sting? For thou art with me — Here is the ground of a true Christian’s confidence when in the valley of the shadow of death, God is with him, and his presence inspires him with confidence and comfort, hope and joy. It affords him light amidst the darkness of the valley, and life in the death of it. Thy rod and thy staff — Thy word and thy Spirit; comfort me — His gospel is the rod of his strength, and there is enough in that to comfort the saints, both while they live, even in their greatest troubles, and also when they are dying. And his Spirit is the Comforter himself, and where he is, support and comfort cannot be wanting (Bible Hub). 

Even when I must walk through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for you are with me; your rod and your staff reassure me.

(pSALM 23:4 net)

Even in the unending shadows of death’s darkness, I am not overcome by fear. Because You are with me in those dark moments, near with Your protection and guidance, I am comforted.

(Psalm 23:4 VOICE)