Shadow

 Psalm 23:4 ESV

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.


It's interesting that David refers to the shadow of death, rather than death itself. I think the Holy Spirit inspired him to put that in anticipation of the resurrection. Because Christ defeated death, it isn't the end.

For the believer in Jesus as our Good Shepherd, death is simply falling asleep until Christ wakes us up for an eternity with him. We don't need to fear evil. We don't even need to fear the evil of death. 

Christ's rod is for discipline of us when we go astray and to beat up any predators. His staff is to bring us back into his narrow way when we get lost. It's a comfort to know he doesn't leave us to our own devices 

Whatever we go through, it is enough to know that God is with us. If God is for us, who can be against us? Nothing can separate us from his love.

'Good Shepherd of our souls, please lead and guide us through the hardships of life, until you call us home. For the honour of your name, amen'.

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