"With this verse we've reached the halfway point in Psalm 23, a comforting thought. It means the valley doesn't last forever. In the next verses we'll discover highland tables, overflowing cups, unfailing goodness and mercy, and an eternal home." ~ Robert J. Morgan, 100 Bible Verses Everyone Should Know by Heart
When we are in the middle of the valley of the shadow of death, it is sometimes hard to see that there is anything but a continuous journey of darkness laid out ahead of us. But the Psalmist reminds us through the rest of the chapter that beyond the dark valley there are places of blessing still to be reached.
Robert J. Morgan also writes, "God leads us in the right paths, even when our circumstances appear dark and difficult. Sometimes our route threads through dark valleys as we face stress and strain, grief and sadness. During such times we 'fear no danger, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff---they comfort me.'"
The Shepherd is always leading His sheep---in the green pastures, by the still waters, and in the dark valleys. The sheep follow their Shepherd, they hear His voice, and they follow. And when they are afraid of the dark, He comforts them with a prod of His rod, a nudge of His staff, reminding them that they are cared for, and that they are never alone.
When we are in the middle of the valley of the shadow of death, it is sometimes hard to see that there is anything but a continuous journey of darkness laid out ahead of us. But the Psalmist reminds us through the rest of the chapter that beyond the dark valley there are places of blessing still to be reached.
Robert J. Morgan also writes, "God leads us in the right paths, even when our circumstances appear dark and difficult. Sometimes our route threads through dark valleys as we face stress and strain, grief and sadness. During such times we 'fear no danger, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff---they comfort me.'"
The Shepherd is always leading His sheep---in the green pastures, by the still waters, and in the dark valleys. The sheep follow their Shepherd, they hear His voice, and they follow. And when they are afraid of the dark, He comforts them with a prod of His rod, a nudge of His staff, reminding them that they are cared for, and that they are never alone.
