This Sunday is known as Good Shepherd Sunday. The readings do reflect the shepherd-imagery one finds in Scripture. Foremost among them is Psalm 23. My focus will be on the words of the one verse:
"Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." Psalm 23:4
There are times when we do have to navigate through the valleys of life. I realize that we wish we could avoid them; however, it seems that they just come with the territory - that is, our humanness. We might be going through the valley of financial problems or dealing with a sickness. Some of them might seem to be life-threatening. We just can't wait to get over these situations.
Because of such conditions, you and I are drawn into this psalm. We also can receive the comfort of which David speaks as he writes this psalm as one of the sheep. We are promised the presence of the Shepherd to be with us and guide us during such times. If you feel you are currently in a valley, I would invite you to reflect on this verse and consider reading the entire psalm. May God's blessing be upon your contemplation and worship this coming week.
Pastor Marty
"Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." Psalm 23:4
There are times when we do have to navigate through the valleys of life. I realize that we wish we could avoid them; however, it seems that they just come with the territory - that is, our humanness. We might be going through the valley of financial problems or dealing with a sickness. Some of them might seem to be life-threatening. We just can't wait to get over these situations.
Because of such conditions, you and I are drawn into this psalm. We also can receive the comfort of which David speaks as he writes this psalm as one of the sheep. We are promised the presence of the Shepherd to be with us and guide us during such times. If you feel you are currently in a valley, I would invite you to reflect on this verse and consider reading the entire psalm. May God's blessing be upon your contemplation and worship this coming week.
Pastor Marty
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