Daily devotional · May 25
Even in the Valley
“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for the sake of His name. 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.”
This psalm is loved because it is honest. It begins with green pastures and still waters, but it does not pretend life stays there. There is a valley, the shadow of death, and the shepherd does not send his sheep through it alone. The change is subtle but powerful: in the pastures David speaks about the Lord, and in the valley he speaks to him, saying you are with me. Presence is the comfort. If you are walking through grief right now, this psalm does not ask you to hurry through it. Let yourself be carried, and let others help; talking with a pastor, a counselor or a grief support group can be part of the shepherd's care. If you feel unable to go on, please contact a local crisis line right away. Today, read the psalm slowly, and say you are with me aloud.
Prayer
Shepherd, walk with me through every valley. Bring comfort and the right people to help me.