The Valley of the Shadow of Death

Season 3 Episode 13 -- I have recently been reflecting on the well-known verse that speaks of walking "through the valley of the shadow of death."  I have always thought that this is referring solely to the time of approaching death at the end of our lives.  In the latest episode of this podcast, I share my realization of the much broader application of this verse to our lives.  Listen and be encouraged!

"Reflect on This" is a once-a-week, short devotional podcast, where I share what I am learning about following Jesus, through applying eternal biblical principles to life, in practical ways.  Not religion, but RELATIONSHIP - relationship with Jesus!
 
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Resources that inspired some episodes:

"Worship Is My Weapon" podcast by Rita Springer:  https://youtu.be/RucXhr1zYGU?si=WeVTpssmUP4rMXlL 

"My Heart, Christ's Home" by Robert Munger

"The Language of Rivers and Stars" by Seth Lewis

“Dream Small:  The Secret Power of the Ordinary Christian Life” by Seth Lewis

Seth Lewis blog:  https://sethlewis.ie/

35 Bible Verses About Listening To Others (Explained) - Bible Repository 

"Restoration Year: Devotions to Transform Your Relationships, Spirit, and Faith" by John Eldredge

"Boundaries" by Henry Cloud and John Townsend

"The Pleasure of His Company" by Dutch Sheets

"Fresh Air" by Chris Hodges

“The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts” by Gary Chapman

"The Lies We Believe: Renew Your Mind and Transform Your Life" by Dr. Chris Thurman

Featured ministries and resources:
 
“Agape Puppets” (ministry)
This is an amazing world-wide ministry that uses puppet shows to reach children (and their parents) for Christ, in cultures that are generally not very open to the Gospel.  To learn more, go to: https://theagapepuppets.org/ 

"Manufacture Good" (ministry)
Manufacture Good is a Christian ministry that offers paid apprenticeships to men who need a second chance.  These apprentices learn biblical principles, character, and valuable woodworking and metalworking skills which lead to employment opportunities.  You can shop their catalog of fine home and office products, order a standard or custom piece of furniture, make a donation, and learn more about this amazing ministry, at: https://manufacturegood.org/.

"The World and Everything in It" (podcast)
This is a weekday 35-minute podcast that presents headline news, in-depth news articles, media reviews, and opinion pieces from a Christian world view.  Their stated mission is "biblically objective journalism that informs, educates, and inspires."
 
“Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage” (podcast) 
This is a once a week 30-minute podcast hosted by Greg and Erin Smalley, who head up the marriage team at Focus on the Family.  Each episode addresses a different aspect of marriage, using biblical principles, featured guests, practical advice, and a mixture of humor and candidness.  
 
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Transcript

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.  (Psalms 23:4 NASB)

For all of my life, I have understood this verse to be solely referring to the time of approaching death at the end of our lives.  But recently, as I was looking more closely at the Hebrew words in this verse, I realized that a better translation is:

Even though I walk through the valley of deep darkness, I fear no evil, for You are with me…

And, in fact, some translations render it this way (as well as a footnote in the ESV with this rendering).  Wow!  That makes this verse much more applicable to many events in our lives, when we are facing an extremely hard situation.  

Here’s the background on why I was studying this verse…

As we approach Palm Sunday and Easter, I have been reflecting upon Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem on what we now refer to as Palm Sunday.  The emotional roller coaster of the disciples during the Holy Week caught my attention:

•      Sunday = Triumphal entry into Jerusalem!

•      Their idea of Jesus as the coming King seems to be coming true, based on the Messianic shouts of the people.

•      Thursday/Friday = Betrayal, trial, crucifixion, fear for their lives!

•      And [the disciples] all left Him and fled. (Mark 14:50 NASB)

•      “Were we wrong?  It appears that Jesus was not the coming King after all.”

•      Sunday = Resurrection!

•      Realization that Jesus is indeed the Messiah – not a political King, but a spiritual King and Savior that has conquered sin and death!  Jesus is the foreshadowed Passover lamb, slain for our salvation. 

•      "Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! (John 1:29 NASB)

•      These things His disciples did not understand at the first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things were written of Him, and that they had done these things to Him. (John 12:16 NASB)

•      And they, after worshiping Him, returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple praising God. (Luke 24:52-53 NASB)

As I asked the Lord what is an application of this to my life, God led me to the following verses for the answer:

Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and your right hand delivers me. (Psalms 138:7 ESV)

Who among you fears the LORD and obeys the voice of His servant? Let him who walks in darkness and has no light trust in the name of the LORD and rely on his God. (Isaiah 50:10 ESV)

When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your consolations delight [comfort]  my soul. (Psalms 94:19 NASB)

The principle I saw can be summarized in this famous quote from V. Raymond Edman:  “Never doubt in the dark what God told you in the light.”

Or another way of stating the application is this:  When we are in the valley of deep darkness, trust the words of God.

The disciples learned this principle.  In the 3 years with Jesus, He had told them, in increasing specificity as they got closer to the final week, that He would have to endure much at the hands of His enemies (torture, mocking, and death), and that He would then rise from the dead.  When He was crucified, they were tempted to doubt the words of Jesus.  But the resurrection dispelled those doubts, and restored their confidence in His words.

Throughout the Bible, there are examples of people to whom God spoke a promise that later seemed to be impossible to fulfill:

• God spoke to Abraham and stated that He would give him a nation of descendants through a son.  But then God commanded him to sacrifice Isaac.
• God gave Joseph a dream that he would be a great leader over many people (even his own family).  But then he was sold into slavery and ended up in prison.

In these and many other examples, God was faithful to His words.  I am asking God to use these examples to strengthen my resolve to believe and live this principle:

When I am in the valley of deep darkness, I will trust the words of God.

Will you join me in this resolve?

[Even] if we are faithless [do not believe and are untrue to Him], He remains true (faithful to His Word and His righteous character), for He cannot deny Himself. (2 Timothy 2:13 AMP)

Today, I encourage you to “Reflect on This.”