"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I well fear no evil, for You are with me" (Psalm 23:4).
We've all experienced the death of a loved one. The dark shadow of death leaves us disoriented, hurt and not a little frightened. Our heart aches even when another family experiences the shadow of death.
As we read King David's comforting words, we're struck by the pronoun "You," which appears for the first time in this Psalm. David talks directly to his Lord and Savior, as he would in a prayer (which the Psalm is). He's walking in the middle of that dark valley and knows the Lord is walking with him.
David suffered at the hands of countless enemies, and he feared for his life. "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?" (Psalm 22:1). Do you recognize this cry? These are Jesus' words just before His death on the cross. Whatever separates us from the Lord and heaven, Jesus has removed by His suffering and death. His precious blood washes us from all unrighteousness.
How beautiful is this connection between Christ and David! Because of Jesus' death and resurrection, David's confidence in saying "You are with me" is our confidence too!
Jesus has defeated death and the believer is safe in Him. When the shadows of death lay themselves upon us, when can confidently tell ourselves and others the Lord Jesus is with us. We fear no evil!
-Dale
