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Psalm 23:4 The Lord Comforts Me

July 19, 2021 | by: Gregg Hunter | 1 comments

Posted in: Psalm 23

 

When we began the 23rd Psalm, we pictured young David in the pasture, surrounded by his flocks. Blue skies above and green grass below. In this peaceful scene, it was easy to worship the Lord as my Shepherd. Yet, in verse 4, the tone changes. The skies darken and the level pasture drops into a deep, dark valley; a valley so dark that it holds the very shadow of death!

We can worship the Lord in the sunshine, when things are easy and everything is provided for us. But, can we worship Him in the valley? Can we worship Him when things are at their most difficult?

Please read Psalm 23 and focus on verse 4.

 

This verse has been recited at so many funerals, by so many deathbeds, and in so many depictions on film and television that it is one of the easier ones to memorize. It is so familiar to us. But familiarity can breed contempt if we are not cautious. Let us not neglect the wonder that this verse is sharing with us!

David paints us a beautiful word picture of the true believer walking in complete peace. This peace is with Him no matter what his surroundings, because this peace is not dependent on the environment; it is dependent on the Shepherd. Even in the darkest of circumstances, even in the lowest valley, even when I get so close to death that I am in his shadow, I can still keep my eyes on the Shepherd. As His faithful sheep, I will follow Him wherever He may choose to lead me.

It is because we keep our eyes on the Shepherd that so many saints have died with perfect peace. I remember standing by my grandfather’s deathbed, singing hymns while he slowly stopped breathing. I remember standing by the deathbed of a dear lady in our church, watching her body start to fade away. Those around her mourned, but she was at peace.

I also remember being with a group of unbelievers when they got that phone call saying a loved one had passed. The wailing was unbelievable! I have been by the bedside of a man who would not trust in Christ. Even as he was about to die, he remained stubborn, and fear seemed to control his every thought. He was terrified about what was about to happen!

Death can be scary. Fear of the unknown is real. But, for the believer, death is not the end. We may not know exactly what death will look like, but we know Who will be with us when we reach it. So long as I keep my eyes on the Shepherd, “I will fear no evil.” As long as “You are with me,” I will be comforted.

But notice what exactly gives David comfort: it is the rod and staff of the Shepherd. With His staff, the Good Shepherd can guide the flock, and protect them from enemies. With His rod, He can discipline His flock when they are disobedient. Even the discipline of the Lord is comforting, because it reminds me of His presence!

So long as I am in the presence of the Lord, I will fear no evil. Greater is He who is in me than he who is in the world. If God is for me, then none shall stand against me. What tremendous comfort the presence of our Lord is for us believers!

1 COMMENTS

Jenny Balzano

Feb 26, 2021

Let's talk hymn lyrics...'Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look Full in his wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim-in the light of his glory and grace'. This verse is so true. If we focus our attention on Jesus and not the things of this world, not the things that surround us but on Jesus and his 'glory and grace': we will not realize that we are in 'the valley of the shadow of death'. We will be so transfixed on his glory.
I can relate to standing next to my Dad's beside during his last few hours and minutes: singing hymns. I will always have heartfelt memories of FHCC (Josh, Mr Charlie, Mr Dale Sr-playing the guitar and singing for Dad). FHCC caroling when both my parents were going through chemo and could not come to church. God was with them. I remember as my Mom was passing in the hospital- she was so transfixed and peaceful but she told my sister: "I will be ok. I see Jesus" and she passed within a few moments. Although, it is human to feel a loss and to be heartbroken. Jesus is the good shepherd- He continues to carry us through.

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