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. Psalms 23:4
If anyone would know about sheep and shepherds, it would be David. As a lad, he took care of his father’s sheep and was actually out shepherding the flock when Samuel came to his dad’s house to anoint the next king of Israel. A shepherd seems an unlikely choice for a king but then, God is all about making unlikely choices. The Bible is full of people chosen by the Lord for specific tasks in their generation who, from man’s perspective, would in no way qualify for the position! Just as the Lord told the prophet Samuel, God looks at the heart, and in David, the Lord saw the heart of a king; one who would not only care for his father’s sheep faithfully but would one day lead God’s sheep, the children of Israel.
Another time, David was called from taking care of the sheep, this time his father is sending him to check on his brothers who are at war with the Philistines. When he gets there it’s more a case of hide and seek — the army of Israel is hiding and Goliath is seeking someone who is willing to fight him. David takes on the challenge and the shepherd becomes a giant slayer! And where did this battle take place? In a valley.
David would pass through many valleys on the way to the fulfillment of God’s promises, some of them even being the valley of the shadow of death. One thing David learned along the way is that each valley serves a purpose and is a part of the preparation for gaining the next mountaintop. Without valleys there would be no mountains!
Something else to remember is that, although there will be valleys along the way, they are places to pass through, not to remain in. It is not a place to stay but a place along the way. The valley is not your destination but rather a part of your walk of faith.
The twenty third Psalm prepares you for the reality of valleys by first showing you how well cared for you are by the Good Shepherd. The Lord is always watching over you and providing everything you need. He provides a place of safety and abundance. Even His rod and staff are a comfort, knowing that He is there to keep you on the right path and get you back if you wander off (sheep tend to do that from time to time). He is there to restore your soul and anoint your wounds so that you can be healed.
What a beautiful picture of life as God’s sheep with green pastures and still waters. Yet in the midst of all of that beauty, there are menaces, just as when David cared for his father’s sheep and had to deal with lions and bears (and no doubt wandering sheep). It is not a lack of the shepherd’s care for his sheep nor is it a lack of your Heavenly Father’s care for you — it is just a matter of living in a world that is under the sway of the evil one.
The Lord has great things for you to be sure. There is nothing that can keep you from those great and precious promises. That does not mean that there won’t be some challenges along the way. You will find yourself in a valley or two before you reach your destination but remember, beyond every valley is a mountaintop – look beyond the valley!