The darkest valley

Read

Study objective: Reflect on God’s presence in danger and darkness.

Reading: Psalm 23:4

Background and context

Verse 4 turns from talking about God to talking to him: “you are with me.” The rod and staff were a shepherd’s tools for protection and guidance. The psalm does not promise there will be no dark valley; it promises presence in it.

Observe

• The psalmist walks through the valley; he is not kept out of it.
• Fear is answered by presence: “for you are with me.”
• The address changes from “he” to “you”.
• The rod and staff bring comfort.

Words, people and events to notice

Rod and staff

Shepherd’s tools: a club for defence and a stick for guiding and rescuing sheep.

Understand

1. Why do you think the psalm changes from “he” to “you” at this verse?
2. What does the psalm promise, and what does it not promise, about the valley?
3. How can a rod and staff comfort?

Connect

• Isaiah 43:2

  When you pass through the waters, I will be with you.

• Matthew 28:20

  Jesus: I am with you always.

Reflect

1. What dark valley are you, or someone you love, walking through?
2. How might God’s presence make a difference there?

Key takeaways

Editorial summary, not Scripture.

• God does not always keep us from the valley, but he is with us in it.