Unexpected Detour 1: The Valley
“Yea, 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” (Ps. 23:4, NKJV).
It would be nice if the paths of righteousness wound their way only
along the grass-covered banks of cool streams. But that is not the way
David paints it. Also, along these paths is the valley of the shadow of
death—not a place that we are eager to visit! At certain times of the
year, the wadis and ravines found in Israel are prone to flash floods that
can come unexpectedly and prove overwhelming. These places also
are characteristically narrow, with steep sides that block out the light.
Hence, “the shadow of death” is an image for “very deep shadow,” or
“deep darkness.”
Think about the times you have been in your own “valley of the
shadow of death.” What has it been like? Did you have fear, even
though you knew that the Shepherd was there? Which Bible texts
were most precious to you at that time, and why?
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How do you think the sheep ended up in the valley? Do you think the
sheep went there on their own, or did the Shepherd lead the sheep
that way Himself? Justify your answer.
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Elisabeth Elliot writes, “A lamb who found himself in the valley of
the shadow of death might conclude that he had been falsely led. It was
needful for him to traverse that darkness in order to learn not to fear.
The shepherd is still with him.”—Quest for Love (Grand Rapids, MI:
Revell Books, 1996), p. 218.
Have you ever felt that you have been “falsely led” into the valley?
How did you respond to God during this time? Why do you think
the Shepherd might be willing to risk being misunderstood by
permitting us to enter a dark valley?
