Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Psalm 23:4

   When we read the 23rd Psalm, we might picture David, the shepherd boy, sitting on a peaceful hillside, strumming his lyre while the lambs baa-ed under the starry sky. Nothing could be farther from the truth! When King David wrote this famous psalm, he was probably on the run from his son who was trying to depose his father and take over the kingdom. David had left Jerusalem, weeping openly, to avoid conflict with his boy. For the first time in years, the King found himself away from the palace and sleeping under the stars as his enemy pursued him.

   Hiding out in a shadowy valley, David renewed his trust in the Lord who had been with him in the past and who was with him now. David had reason to lament — his life was a stressful mess — yet, he knew he could count on God’s goodness and mercy even in the midst of turmoil.

   We often hear this psalm read at funerals because of the words, “the shadow of death”. Donald Barnhouse tells the story of when he was on his way home from the funeral of his wife, trying to think of some way to comfort his children. Just then a huge moving van passed by their car and its shadow swept over them. He asked them, “Children, would you rather be run over by a truck or by its shadow?” The children replied, “Of course, the shadow.” Barnhouse explained, “Two thousand years ago the truck of death ran over the Lord Jesus. Now, only the shadow of death can run over us.”

  The power of death has been broken. Jesus took the hit and we no longer need to fear. Death has been swallowed up in victory!

Lord, thank You for conquering death and the grave. When I have to walk through dark seasons, help me to remember You are with me to comfort and reassure me that I will dwell in Your house forever.