Psalm 23:4
Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
The 23rd Psalm is an example for me of how a scripture passage, once memorized, can become more beautiful and more powerful. I memorized it not yet three years ago. Once I could recite it to myself, start to finish, it became a part of my prayer life. It is a part of God’s word which is comforting and healing for me. It reminds me to put things into perspective, to remember what is important, and to acknowledge God’s presence everywhere.
Holy Lord, I am thankful. Surely your goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Amen
Becky, transforming
Psalm 23:4. from the Message
Even when the way goes through death valley, I am not afraid when you walk at my side. Your trusty shepherd's crook makes me feel secure.
I memorized the 23rd Psalm in 3rd grade. Of course, that was the King James version--the one I can still recite. All the newer versions say the same thing, but much less poetically. That's OK with me if it helps someone understand more clearly. I was friends with someone in seminary many years ago and the class was assigned to write their own version of this Psalm. I remember reading some that were shared and they were wonderful. The words of the KJV are so ingrained in my…
Psalm 23:4
This familiar Psalm is short, but oh so powerful. It is a fact, we will all face the “valley”. We can move forward through that valley with the comfort that we are not alone, that God will be with us. I have thought from time to time about this valley and how it might be… Sometimes I imagine it is a beautiful green valley and God, Jesus, or maybe an angel reaches out and takes my hand, walks with me and guides me to heaven. I hope that that’s what it’s like.
Heavenly Father, thank you for being my Shepherd, for taking my hand and guiding me through this life on my journey to paradise. Amen.
Monday, February 3rd, 2025
Psalm 23:4
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.
I believe this is one of the most familiar scriptures in the Bible not just verse 4.(other then John 3:16) It is commonly used during funerals or by those approaching death. The message is one of comfort. We do not need to fear. God is with us, and His presence gives us strength and hope. This verse emulates a Shepard and his sheep in describing our relationship with God. Sheep do not understand the meaning of death. They do understand, that entering a dark…
Psalm 23:4
I learned this verse as “the valley of the shadow of death.” This seems to me to be more evocative of trying to negotiate the vicissitudes of life without God. It is an example of how, without God, we can be lonely even in a crowd of people. Trying to live a Scripturally Christian life can often engender a sense of loneliness when one steps out of the protective cocoon of our church family and Christian friends. Sometimes my only ally in such a walk is God — and God is more than sufficient to comfort me.
Prayer - God of protection and companionship, as I step into the room for a deposition this afternoon, let me feel…