"Even 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
Cold. Lonely. Frightening. Abysmal. In the valley of the shadow of death, we battle with hopelessness and the fear of being abandoned.
But see how Jesus, our good shepherd, watches over and delivers us even though we walk—not by His leading—into the valley of the shadow of death. In that valley, He is still with us. He is not with us to say, “I told you so.” He is not standing there, with arms folded, to see how we will get out of the trouble we got ourselves into. No, He is with us to protect and deliver us from the evil one with His rod and staff.
Beloved, Jesus is a shepherd whose tender heart toward you will never allow Him to forsake you when you need Him the most. See Him with you protecting you, delivering you from death and bringing you safely through every season of darkness.