Living in the Valley of the Shadow of Death

One on the best-known, most-loved passages of the Bible is Psalm 23, often referred to as the “Shepherd’s psalm.” It’s often quoted at funerals and memorial services because of the verse, “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.”

As comforting as those words are, they don’t necessarily concern the prospect of imminent death. They can, but the psalm speaks more about how life can be lived well despite the many pitfalls and perils we encounter along the way. 

 

True, for two years many of us have probably felt as if we were living in the valley of the shadow of death, with the relentless news reports, frightening statistics and grim predictions of the COVID-19 pandemic. When we learned about people dying from the virus that we knew, especially family members, the reality of its threat hit home. The procession of mandates and restrictions heightened our sense of gloom. Our challenge has been, as the psalm admonishes, to not fear but to trust in God’s presence and protection. 

 

The author of the 23^rd psalm, Israel’s King David, didn’t write from vivid imagination but from personal experience, hearkening to his days as a lowly shepherd. It was his responsibility to guide skittish and defenseless sheep through a variety of threatening environments, relying on their unwavering trust.

 

Those memories enabled him to apply that imagery to his reliance on God, his own Shepherd. During his post-shepherd days, David saw God deliver him from the “valley of the shadow of death” many times. The first occasion was his storied encounter with Goliath, whom sharpshooter David felled with his trusty slingshot. Then King Saul became his nemesis, followed by members of his own family. In each case, the Lord protected him.

 

Years ago, I had the privilege of co-authoring a book, Pursuing Life with a Shepherd’s Heart, with my friend, Ken Johnson. He had raised sheep on a “hobby farm” in Minnesota for a number of years and witnessed how, as Isaiah 53:6 declares, “We all, like sheep, have gone astray….” As I worked with Ken, the truths of Psalm 23 came alive for me, realizing how “sheepish” we really are.

 

For instance, “He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters” (Psalm 23:2). Sheep need quiet and calm environments to thrive. Any disruption sets them on edge, so the shepherd works diligently to find places where they can rest and graze peacefully.

 

The previous verse promises, “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.” Sheep can’t hunt for food; they rely on the shepherd to provide everything they need, including pastures free of noxious weeds that could harm them. He also watches so they don’t stray into difficulty, such as getting caught in bushes by their wooly fleece, or stumbling and falling, unable to get back on their feet. It’s not too hard to imagine how God does much the same for us.

 

In the passage about “walking in the shadow of death,” we read that the shepherd’s rod and staff provide comfort. These tools are used not only to guide the sheep, but also to ward off predators. So, the sheep quickly learn to stay close to their shepherd – and we’d be wise to do the same with our Shepherd.

 

Fear has become a way of life for many folks over the past couple of years, but this psalm assures us that the Lord will “prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil, my cup overflows” (verse 5). These days it seems we have an abundance of “enemies,” and yet this psalm tells us to relax and go about our lives despite their presence. 

 

Sheep have no way to swat away flies and other parasites that could plague them, so anointing members of the flock with oil is one means shepherds utilize to keep the pests from unsettling them or even making them sick.

 

The sixth and final verse of the psalm is the most comforting of all, whether we’re preparing for just another day of life or confronting the inevitability of passing from this life: “Surely goodness and mercy [love] will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Just like an earthly shepherd caring for the sheep, seeking to ensure their well-being, we can trust that God will do the same for us, not only in this life but for all eternity.

No matter what we might have to face in the future, whether it’s a pandemic, other health issues, financial challenges, difficulties at work, family problems, or the social strife that seems to have no end, we can find hope and comfort in the assurances the Lord has given us in Psalm 23. As it says, “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want” for anything, as we anchor our faith in Him. 

A Sheepish Symbol That Strikes Fear in No One

National symbols say a lot about the countries they represent. For example, Russia’s national symbol is the bear. In England, it’s the lion. The symbol for the United States, of course, is the American eagle.

Each of these evokes specific imagery. The bear and lion are imposing, powerful, and potentially fierce. The eagle is majestic in flight, and in pursuit of its prey, becomes a formidable, relentless predator. Fitting images for nations in which military power has held historic prominence.

Do you know the symbol of Christ followers? The animal most commonly referred to in the Bible for describing God’s people is…sheep. Not quite as fearsome as a bear, lion or eagle, right?

The image of sheep isn't one Christ's followers would
prefer, but it is God's choice.

Sheep are virtually defenseless, having no claws or fangs. Male sheep – rams – may be able to butt rivals with their horns, but that’s the extent of a sheep’s aggression. They may be wooly, but not particularly wild. Nevertheless, we see the sheep analogy employed throughout the Bible.

For instance, Isaiah 53:6 states, “All of us, like sheep, have gone astray.” Anyone who’s been around these animals much understands how wayward sheep can easily get into trouble. This is why Matthew 9:36 tells us Jesus, “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”

As we observe society today and its continuing drift from Judeo-Christian values, some of us within the body of Christ would prefer the imagery of the bear, the lion, or even the eagle. Some of us often harbor a desire to fight back – to take back “territory” that’s been lost. But the idea of wandering, helpless sheep doesn’t inspire mobilizing, or taking the offensive.

As sheepish as it seems, this representation wasn’t an oversight on God’s part. The biblical words aren’t mistranslated. The Lord didn’t run out of symbolic options. Calling us His “sheep” was deliberate and purposeful. Because sheep must rely completely on the shepherd, and He wants us as His sheep to rely totally on Him. That’s emphasized repeatedly in the Scriptures.

In the well-known “shepherd’s psalm,” which many of us have heard from childhood, we’re told, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters” (Psalm 23:1-2). God is our provider, our protector, our guide.

In a prophetic Old Testament passage, pointing to the coming Messiah, Isaiah declares, “He will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom.” This describes a kind, compassionate Shepherd, keeping diligent watch over the sheep under His eternal care.

Jesus used this metaphor to affirm He was the Messiah, the promised shepherd of God’s flock: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep…. My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me” (John 10: 11-27).

Why is this important? Because the idea of self-made Christians is an oxymoron; only God can make us the people He wants us to be. When circumstances in our lives spiral out of control, as they often do, He desires that we turn to Him in faith, unwavering trust and absolute dependence. Just as flocks of sheep do with their earthly shepherds. Independence is a sure ticket to calamity.

So, “sheep,” if you happen to be a part of a congregation called the Church of the Good Shepherd, or Good Shepherd Chapel, there’s good reason for that name. While you’re there, let the Good Shepherd restore your soul.

When Lost, Look for the Right Guide

It's not always easy to tell where paths in Central Park - or life - are leading.

Imagine hiking with a group in an unfamiliar forest. You stop to look at something, maybe an intriguing plant, take a few photos, and when you look up, find the group has moved on without you. At first, you’re not worried, but 15-20 minutes later you still can’t find your group. That’s when concern sets in.

Trusting in your sense of direction doesn’t seem to be working, and you’ve wandered into a dead zone where your cell phone is useless. Even though it hurts your pride, you must admit, “I’m lost!”

Suddenly you hear thrashing nearby. It’s either a wild animal – which might not be a good thing – or another human. Thankfully, it’s a guy who looks as happy to see you as you are to see him. But then he declares, “Man, am I glad to find you! I’ve gotten turned around and have no idea how to get out of here.” Your smile melts into a frown as you think to yourself, “Great! We’re both lost!”

Last year my wife and I were in New York City and decided to trek across fabled Central Park. Most of its paths, however, curve around rather than heading north and south, or east and west. Soon it became evident we were basically walking in circles. We could see the Manhattan skyline in the distance, but that didn’t help much in determining which path was best to follow.

As other walkers and joggers passed by, we asked a couple of them if we were headed in the right direction. They both nodded their heads and proceeded along their way. Only later did I learn that when you ask New Yorkers for directions, they are either too proud to admit they don’t know, or take the attitude that if you’ve gotten yourself lost, “Too bad, sucker!”

Eventually we wandered out of the park – exiting not far from where we had entered. Moral of the story: If you’re lost, be sure to find the right guide to show you which way to go.

This is a foundational principle spiritually as well. Life at best is confusing, if not confounding, and we find ourselves confronted by many conflicting messages. Who’s right? Who’s wrong? How can we know?

During my earlier years, I explored various ideological alternatives. For a time, I bought into the “it doesn’t matter what you believe, as long as you’re sincere” mantra. I also tried “selective truth,” picking and choosing what I liked from a variety of worldviews. I finally returned to the teaching I’d not only learned in church, but also in public school, in those ancient, archaic days when no one believed you could become permanently scarred by hearing a passage from the Bible or reciting a brief prayer.

Psalm 23, also known as the “shepherd’s psalm,” opens by declaring, “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake” (Psalm 23:1-3).

Although I spent many of my early adult years determined to find my own way, it was only when I submitted to God’s leadership and guidance that I could avoid the series of dead ends, road hazards and detours that had been hindering me on my life’s journey.

The next verse in the psalm has proved equally assuring: “Even though I walk in the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you (Lord) are with me, your rod and your staff, they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4). Often the path ahead seems dark, uncertain, even perilous. Trusting God is walking with us, knowing well the route we need to travel, dispels anxiety and fear. That doesn’t mean there won’t be problems along the way, but He will ensure that we pass safely through the “valley,” still on course to carry out His purposes for us.

When Jesus announced to His followers, “I am the way, the truth and the life” (John 14:6), He was asserting there’s no need to consider alternative routes. If we want to be sure to get to where we want to be – even at times when we’re not even sure what the destination is – He’ll get us there, on schedule.

At one point in His discourse known as the “sermon on the mount,” Jesus warned, “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it” (Matthew 7:13-14).

He was observing that throughout life we’ll encounter a variety of people who claim to be knowledgeable guides, who will insist they know the way. However, there’s only one true, trustworthy GPS for life, which I've defined as God’s Positioning System. Jesus has been there, He knows exactly where we need to go, and He’ll be there to welcome us when we arrive.

Be Careful Who You’re Following

Sheep have an annoying tendency for not watching where
they're going, as well as for leading others astray.

Recently I read a brief account about some really stupid sheep in Istanbul, Turkey. In 2005, one sheep in the flock decided to jump off a cliff, and nearly 1,500 others subsequently followed. Approximately one-third of the sheep died, and I’m sure at the very least each of the others must have been wondering, “What was I thinking?”

This seems like a crazy happening, and you’re probably wondering if it was just a rare occurrence, an aberration in the history of sheepdom. But it wasn't. Years ago my friend, Ken Johnson, and his family devoted more than a decade of their lives to raising sheep on their “hobby farm” outside Minneapolis, Minn., and they witnessed abundant examples to prove dumbness is not a trait exclusive to Turkish sheep.

Early one morning Ken was cleaning up in front of the barn where his sheep were housed. As he let the animals out for the day, he went to the door and held the handle of his hoe in front of the first sheep as it came out. He just wanted to see what it would do. Without hesitation, the sheep leaped over the hoe and casually strolled into the pasture. Ken pulled the handle away, but when every sheep exiting the barn reached that point, they proceeded to replicate what the lead sheep had done, leaping as if the hoe handle were still there.

So apparently to a sheep’s way of thinking, jumping off a cliff because the one directly in front did it makes perfect sense.

Why bring this up? Because the Bible uses the sheep metaphor extensively, in both the Old and New testaments. In fact, the prophet Isaiah wrote thousands of years ago, “We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way…” (Isaiah 53:6). The problem is, as anyone that has spent time with sheep can attest, when one sheep strays, many of the others are likely to follow – sometimes to their doom.

This is why in Israel and other parts of the Middle East, as well as countries like New Zealand – where sheep actually outnumber the populace – shepherds are important, even though they have little social status. Shepherds not only protect their flocks from predators; they also protect the sheep from themselves.

In Ken’s book, Pursuing Life With a Shepherd’s Heart, which I had the privilege of co-authoring, he offers numerous other illustrations. But the point is this: As Isaiah declared, in many ways we are indeed like sheep, prone to be misled and get into all manner of mischief. We desperately need a shepherd – the Shepherd – to guide us, watch over us and care for us.

The 23^rd Psalm is beloved for its poetic style, but it also communicates enduring truth:

“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures,

He leads me beside quiet waters,

He restores my soul.

He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.

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.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies,

You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

Each of these verses could be discussed individually and applied to our lives and circumstances. But collectively they tell us one thing – we desperately need the Shepherd, and He’s promised to faithfully provide for our needs as we follow Him.

This is why Jesus made what might have seemed a bold declaration when He told His followers, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep…. I know my sheep and my sheep know me – just as the Father knows me and I know the Father – and I lay down my life for the sheep…” (John 10:11-18).

In that simple statement Jesus was assuring us that He is our true shepherd, He knows us personally, and at that moment was foretelling the sacrifice He soon would provide atonement for our sins and offer redemption to each of us.

The question we each must answer, one no one can answer for us, is who are we following? Today there are countless “leaders,” many voices calling out and offering to serve as our “shepherd.” Sadly, all but one is leading toward a cliff and too many are blindly, mindlessly following them.

More than 35 years ago I made the determination that the Lord is indeed my Shepherd, and true to His word, I have never been in want. My needs have always been met, sometimes in ways I could never have imagined. And I’ve resolved to follow Him ever since, even though at times I’ve lapsed into my foolish, sheep-like ways. Thankfully, although at times I’ve looked away from Him, Jesus has never looked away from me.

What about you? Who are you following today?