Contemplative Bible Reading

Psalm 23:4 (King James Version)

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

This is one of those well-known sentences from the 23rd Psalm or The Lord is My Shepherd. I go back to the King James Translation for the more familiar words. The poetry is timeless.

The valley of the shadow of death is ominous. Death casts a dark shadow that encloses me like the hills surrounding a valley. I am trapped by the shadow of death without hope of escape.

God, however, is with me. God defeats death through the sacrifice of His son on the cross. I am no longer surrounded or trapped by death. I am walking in the light with Jesus free from worry of what the future may bring.

Thank you God for your endless and timeless grace and mercy.