Psalm 23 is a poetic masterpiece that has become a familiar passage of scripture to many. This Psalm depicts the relationship between shepherd and sheep, illustrating God’s relationship with and care for us.

Verse four marks the halfway point in our study but also serves as a transition in two ways.

First, the primary pronoun in the first three verses is “He,” referring to the LORD.

He makes me lie down; He leads me beside still waters; He restores my soul; He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Verse four transitions to the use of the pronoun “I.”

Secondly, it is a turning point in the shepherd’s care. Up to this point, the sheep have been at home, within the comfort and safety of the ranch.

As the days of summer begin, the shepherd takes the flock out from the confines of the ranch into the unknown rolling hills and deep valleys.

Psalm 23:4 assures us that God will not abandon us in life’s most challenging moments.

A valley can be:

• A deep disappointment that blindsided you.
• A series of frustrations that compound over time.
• A string of bad days that deflate hope.
• An unexpected or unexplained health diagnosis or issue.
• A financial crisis or a sudden loss of a job.

Whether the valley was self-inflicted or no fault of our own, we have a commitment from our Shepherd that He will walk through it with us!

Scripture provides several assurances reinforcing the reality of God’s presence with us.

“It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8

“fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God;” Isaiah 41:10

“for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

“And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 20:28b

There are two initial observations to make looking at Psalm 23:4.

#1 We walk through valleys.

We don’t sit or stand around but walk. We are passing through, not setting up residence.

#2 Valleys are a shadow of death.

This does not diminish how we feel going through them but should put matters in perspective. Shadows shift and change. So will your valley. It’s not your end.

As the shepherd leaves home with his flock, he takes them to the mountaintop. The mountaintop is the location God regularly met with His people. Yet every mountaintop has its valley.

During the journey through the valley, we experience the intimate, surpassing care of the shepherd we would not know otherwise.

Our valleys keep us close to God!

How often have we set up camp by complaining about the valley to God, or comparing our circumstances with others, and delaying or possibly never arriving at the place He was leading us?

Pastor, author and real-life shepherd Philip Keller shares three facts about valleys. They are the way of the gentlest grades, the well-watered route, and the path with the best grazing.

A Shepherds look at Psalm 23

God provides in the valley. He never wastes a moment.

God redeems the expected hardships in life by using them to refine our faith and to prepare us for the mountaintop. 1 Corinthians 1:3-4 explains that with God’s comfort through hardships, we can comfort others who are going through hard times.

Romans 5:3-5 shares another blessing of going through a valley. Suffering produces endurance which produces character, which produces hope.

When the LORD is your shepherd, difficulties won’t defeat you; they develop you.

In Bible times, shepherds carried a rod and a staff. Both were instrumental during the long summer journey.

The rod symbolizes the shepherd’s authority and power and is used to discipline, examine, and protect the sheep.

For us today, the rod is emblematic of God’s Word. The Scriptures are God’s authority and power in the life of a follower.

The Word disciplines us.

“¹⁶ All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, ¹⁷ that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17

God disciplines those He loves, Hebrews 12:6. Don’t run from discipline but embrace the lesson.

The Word examines us.

“⁷ What then shall we say? That the law is sin? By no means! Yet if it had not been for the law, I would not have known sin. For I would not have known what it is to covet if the law had not said, “You shall not covet.” Romans 7:7

As we study, meditate, and put into practice God’s Word, the Word reveals hidden habits and behaviors that may sabotage our faith.

The Word protects us.

“I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” Psalm 119:11

The wages of sin is death. By obeying God’s Word and walking by faith, we are protected from the control and pains that come with sinning.

A shepherd also carried a staff. No better word describes the staff than comfort.

There are two primary functions of the shepherd’s staff.

#1 To draw sheep together.

Separated lambs will be reunited with their mom’s using the crook of the shepherd’s staff.

Likewise, the Holy Spirit nudges us and draws us to fellowship with the body of Christ so that we don’t become isolated from the flock. An isolated sheep or Christian becomes easy prey for predators who seek to devour.

#2 To guide the sheep.

If the route takes a sudden turn or walks near a cliff, the staff will become a barrier to prevent them from falling off.

The Holy Spirit leads and guides us in truth, John 16:13. When we get ourselves in a jam and don’t know what to do, we can ask God for wisdom, and the Holy Spirit, who searches the mind of God, will guide us in the right paths.  

Valleys are inevitable experiences in life. It is the quality and care of the shepherd that transforms those moments for our good.

What was intended for evil will be used to build your faith, so keep walking.