Refuse to live in the valley of the shadow of death

 

David writes, "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil."  There is a huge difference between walking through and living in the valley of the shadow of death.  We have to make a choice as to whether we are going to live and die in the valley of the shadow of death, or if we are simply going to walk through the valley.

Let me paint the picture of the valley of the shadow of death for you that David speaks of.  According to Phillip Keller, author of a Shepherds Look At Psalm 23, the valley of the shadow of death would be faced twice a year when shepherds would lead their flocks back into the mountains for grazing, then back from the mountains for wintering near the homefront.  It was as they made these journeys through the hills, clefts and mountains that the sheep and shepherd faced some perilous situations.  They faced the dangers of flash floods, avalanches, rock slides, narrow passages, steep cliffs, poisonous plants and snakes, and the possible attacks from ferocious mountain lions and other predators.  The trip was truly at the risk of death every time they made the passage.

Here is the parallel – every Christian faces the valley of the shadow of death.  It is that valley in which your spiritual life is put to the test.  There you will either live or die.  But notice, it is not a place where we are destined to linger.  It's a valley we walk through, but it is not a lodging place.  Yet this is where many make their mistake – some choose to live in the valley of the shadow of death.  So, all they talk about sounds like death.  "Do you know who died this week?  Did you hear the bad news about so and so?  I am feeling so badly; I'm not sure if I am going to make it.  My finances are at rock bottom; my situation is bad, bad, bad."  With every statement they dig their grave as they linger in the valley of the shadow of death.

Do yourself a favor and refuse to live in the valley of the shadow of death.  Might you have to walk through it occasionally?  Yes, but you don't have to vacation or live there.  We simply pass through it.  We'll face the dangers on both sides; we may even have a few scares along the way (David did); but we continue to walk through it, never allowing ourselves to get snagged there.

God tells us we can walk through this valley with confidence.  David said as he led his sheep through this valley again and again, "I will fear no evil, because you are with me."  God, you go with us.  And David said, "Your rod and your staff, they comfort me."  In other words, Lord God, you offer me security.  In the midst of every threat, God, you offer protection.  You say, 'It is going to be okay.'  You keep me from being afraid.

Here is the difference.  If you are simply walking through the valley of the shadow of death as a part of your journey through life, God has your back.  But, if you have chosen to linger there, even live there, you're in a heap of trouble.  Your spiritual well-being is at risk.  The devil is about ready to pounce on you and take you out.  Listen, determine now to get out of that valley – refuse to live or linger in that valley.  Change whatever has to be changed - because it won't take you to your desired end or bring God's blessings to your life.