Walking Through the Valley with Our Shepherd

Summary

Psalm 23 paints a vivid picture of God as our shepherd, leading us through both tranquil pastures and the darkest valleys. Life often feels like the first three verses—full of provision, rest, and restoration. But then, suddenly, we find ourselves in the “valley of the shadow of death,” where fear, uncertainty, and pain can overwhelm us. These valleys point to any season of deep darkness in life—financial struggles, broken relationships, health crises, or overwhelming anxiety. In these moments, fear naturally arises because we cannot see what lies ahead, and our vulnerability is exposed.

Yet, the heart of Psalm 23:4 is not the darkness itself, but the presence of the Shepherd. The promise is not that we will avoid the valley, but that we will walk through it—and we do not walk alone. God does not always remove us from hardship, but He leads us through it, often from the front, guiding and protecting us. The valley, while dangerous, is also a place where nourishment and refreshment can be found—green grass and still waters exist even there. God uses these difficult seasons to mature us, test our faith, and reveal His faithfulness.

A profound shift happens in the psalm: David moves from talking about God to talking to God. “For you are with me.” This is the language of intimacy and prayer. It’s not enough to know about God; we are invited to know Him personally, to run to Him like a child runs to a loving parent in the dark. God’s presence is our assurance, not the absence of trouble. Throughout Scripture, God’s presence is the source of courage and comfort—whether as God the Father with Israel, Jesus as Emmanuel, or the Holy Spirit dwelling within us.

The rod and staff symbolize God’s protection and guidance. Spiritually speaking, the rod is not only used to fend off danger but also used to 'count' us as His own; the staff gently guides and rescues us. Even in the valley, God’s presence and care are constant. The next step is to seek God in the valley, to cry out to Him, and to trust that He is already there, leading and comforting us. Our courage is not found in understanding every trial, but in knowing that God is with us, faithful and true.

Key Takeaways

- The “valley of the shadow of death” represents not just literal death, but any season of deep darkness, uncertainty, or fear. These valleys are unavoidable in life, and they expose our vulnerability and lack of control. Yet, even in the darkest times, God’s presence is the constant that sustains us. [45:34]

- God does not promise to help us avoid the valley, but to lead us through it. The Shepherd goes before us, guiding and protecting, even when we cannot see the way ahead. The valley is not just a place of danger, but also of nourishment—God provides green pastures and still waters even in hardship. [53:16]

- Suffering and adversity are not signs of God’s absence or our lack of faith. Rather, God uses trials to test and mature us, to reveal our true character, and to show us His faithfulness. The Christian life is not immune to pain, but is marked by God’s redemptive presence in the midst of it. [54:23]

- The shift from “He” to “You” in Psalm 23 marks a move from knowledge about God to personal relationship with Him. Intimacy and prayer are born in the valley, as we learn to speak directly to God and experience His nearness. It is not enough to know facts about God; we are called to know Him as our Shepherd and Father. [57:58]

- God’s rod and staff symbolize His active protection and guidance. The rod defends and counts us as His own, while the staff gently guides and rescues. Our comfort is not in the absence of adversity, but in the assurance that God is with us, faithfully leading, protecting, and providing for us in every circumstance. [01:03:59]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[39:51] - Reading Psalm 23 Together
[41:29] - The Sudden Shift: Entering the Valley
[42:29] - When Life Happens: Facing Unexpected Pain
[44:00] - Prayer for Hope in Difficult Times
[45:34] - The Meaning of “Shadow of Death”
[46:42] - Fears in the Darkness
[48:04] - The Terror of Uncertainty
[48:59] - No Fear, Even in Death
[49:54] - Rejecting Shallow Promises
[50:48] - Walking Through, Not Around, the Valley
[52:28] - The Valley as a Place of Danger and Nourishment
[53:16] - The Shepherd Leads from the Front
[54:23] - God’s Purpose in Our Trials
[56:20] - Remembering God’s Faithfulness
[57:58] - From Knowledge to Intimacy: “You Are With Me”
[01:03:07] - God’s Presence: Our True Comfort
[01:03:59] - The Rod and Staff: Protection and Guidance
[01:05:52] - God’s Faithfulness in Our Anxiety
[01:06:37] - Seeking God in the Valley
[01:07:29] - Invitation to Prayer and Ministry
[01:11:03] - Praying for God’s Leading
[01:12:36] - Closing Blessing and Fellowship Information

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Psalm 23:4 – “You Are With Me”

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### Bible Reading

Psalm 23 (ESV)
> 1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
> 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures.
> He leads me beside still waters.
> 3 He restores my soul.
> He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
> 4 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.
> 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
> you anoint my head with oil;
> my cup overflows.
> 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
> all the days of my life,
> and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

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### Observation Questions

1. In Psalm 23:4, what does the “valley of the shadow of death” represent, according to the sermon? What kinds of situations in life might this include? [[45:34]]
2. What is the significance of David shifting from talking about God (“He”) to talking directly to God (“You”) in verse 4? [[57:58]]
3. What do the rod and staff symbolize in this Psalm, and how do they relate to God’s care for us? [[01:03:59]]
4. According to the sermon, what are some things that can be found in the valley, besides danger? [[52:28]]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think God allows us to go through valleys instead of helping us avoid them altogether? How does this shape our understanding of God’s character? [[53:16]]
2. The sermon says that suffering and adversity are not signs of God’s absence or our lack of faith. How does this challenge or affirm what you’ve believed about hard times in your life? [[49:54]]
3. What does it mean for God’s presence to be our comfort, rather than the absence of trouble? How does this change the way we pray or seek God in difficult times? [[01:03:07]]
4. How does moving from “knowing about God” to “knowing God personally” affect the way we respond to fear and uncertainty? [[57:58]]

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### Application Questions

1. The “valley of the shadow of death” can be any season of deep darkness, not just literal death. What is a “valley” you are currently walking through, or have walked through recently? How did you experience God’s presence (or not) in that time? [[45:34]]
2. When you face fear or uncertainty, do you tend to talk about God or talk directly to Him? What would it look like for you to shift toward more personal, honest prayer in your current situation? [[57:58]]
3. The sermon mentioned that God often leads us through the valley, not around it. Is there a difficult situation you are trying to avoid, rather than walk through with God? What would it mean to trust Him to lead you through it? [[50:48]]
4. The rod and staff represent God’s protection and guidance. Can you think of a time when you felt God’s protection or guidance in a hard season? How did that impact your faith? [[01:03:59]]
5. The valley is also a place where God provides nourishment—green grass and still waters—even in hardship. What are some “green pastures” or “still waters” God has provided for you in a tough time? [[52:28]]
6. The sermon challenged us to remember God’s faithfulness in the past as a way to face current fears. What is one specific way God has been faithful to you before, and how can you remind yourself of that now? [[56:20]]
7. If God’s presence is our true comfort, not the absence of trouble, how can you seek His presence more intentionally this week—especially if you are in a valley right now? [[01:06:37]]

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite group members to share prayer requests related to any valleys they are walking through. Pray for one another to experience God’s presence, protection, and guidance in those places.

Devotional

Day 1: God’s Presence in the Darkest Valleys
Even in life’s darkest valleys, God is present with us.

Psalm 23:4 reminds us that life is not always green pastures and still waters; sometimes, we walk through valleys of deep darkness, uncertainty, and fear. These valleys represent the most challenging and frightening moments—whether it’s loss, illness, financial hardship, or relational pain. Yet, the promise is not that we avoid these valleys, but that we walk through them, and we do not walk alone. God, our Shepherd, leads us from the front, never abandoning us, even when we cannot see what lies ahead. His presence is our assurance, and we can endure because He is with us, guiding and protecting us every step of the way. [41:29]

Psalm 23:4 (ESV)
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.

Reflection: What is one “valley” you are currently facing, and how can you intentionally acknowledge God’s presence with you in that situation today?

Day 2: Remembering God’s Faithfulness Defeats Fear
Recalling God’s past faithfulness gives us courage in present trials.

When fear and uncertainty threaten to overwhelm us, we are called to remember how God has cared for us before. David could say, “I will fear no evil,” because he had personally experienced God’s protection, provision, and rescue in the past. Even if you are new in your faith, you can begin to trust God as your Shepherd and let Him lead you, so that you too will have stories of His faithfulness to remember. In moments of fear, look back and recall the times God has come through for you—this remembrance becomes the foundation for courage and peace, even in the face of adversity. [56:20]

Psalm 27:1 (ESV)
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

Reflection: Think back to a specific time when God provided for you or protected you—how can remembering that moment help you face your current fears?

Day 3: Intimacy with God in Prayer
True comfort comes from personal, intimate conversation with God.

David’s shift from talking about God to talking directly to God in Psalm 23:4 shows the importance of intimacy and prayer. It’s not enough to know about God; we are invited to know Him personally, to run to Him like a child runs to their father in the dark. In our distress, we can speak directly to God, expressing our fears and needs, and experience the assurance of His presence. This relationship is what sustains us—not just knowledge, but real, ongoing conversation and closeness with our Shepherd, who promises never to leave us or forsake us. [01:03:07]

Matthew 28:20b (ESV)
And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.

Reflection: When was the last time you spoke honestly and personally to God about your fears? Take a moment today to talk to Him as your loving Father.

Day 4: God’s Rod and Staff: Protection and Guidance
God’s protection and guidance are constant sources of comfort.

The rod and staff of the shepherd are not just symbols—they are real instruments of defense, security, and care. Spiritually, the rod represents God’s strength and protection, fending off dangers and 'counting' us as His own. The staff represents His gentle guidance and rescue, pulling us back when we stray or fall. These tools assure us that God is actively involved in our lives, defending us from harm and guiding us toward safety and nourishment. We can rest in the comfort that our Shepherd is both strong and tender, always watching over us. [01:04:53]

Psalm 94:18-19 (ESV)
When I thought, “My foot slips,” your steadfast love, O Lord, held me up. When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to trust God’s protection or guidance today? How can you invite Him to use His “rod and staff” for you?

Day 5: Seek God in the Valley
Our courage in hardship comes from seeking God’s presence, not from understanding our circumstances.

The source of our courage is not the absence of trouble, but the presence of God with us in every situation. We may not always understand why we are in a particular valley, but we can be certain that God is there, leading and supporting us. Instead of striving for answers or escape, we are invited to seek God, cry out to Him, and trust that He is already at work. His faithfulness and comfort are available in every struggle—financial, physical, relational, or emotional. As we seek Him, we find the strength to keep moving forward, knowing He will never leave us. [01:06:37]

Isaiah 41:10 (ESV)
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Reflection: What is one practical way you can seek God’s presence in your current valley—through prayer, worship, or reaching out for support—today?

Quotes

Let me pause here and say something that might rattle some people. Hopefully no one here. Please, please, please, don't believe the TV preachers who nonchalantly, they skip over 23 .4, right? And instead promise you nothing but health and wealth. I'm sure you've seen many of these preachers on TV. They'll tell you it's all your fault, lacking in faith if you're sick or if you're poor. Therefore, do not listen to anyone who promotes this kind of Christianity because the reality is that in life, in life, there is suffering. In life, there is pain. In life, there are tragedies. Okay? Regardless of who you are or what you are. [00:49:40] (43 seconds) #RejectFalsePromises Edit Clip | Translate Clip

By the way, how does the verse 4 begin? Even though I walk through. I walk through. Not around. Not over. Not avoid. Not skip over. No, I am going through it. Right? I am going through what I'm going through. Notice David doesn't ask God to do anything for him. He doesn't ask him to stop the hurting or take me out of the situation. He doesn't ask him to help me get over this situation. No, he just simply states facts about who God is. [00:50:56] (37 seconds) #WalkingThroughNotAround Edit Clip | Translate Clip

We cannot, when you see that picture, right, we cannot blame the devil every single time when something goes wrong in our lives. Okay? Listen, God will take us through trials. Yeah, to test our faith, to mature us spiritually, to make us more like Jesus, to reveal our true character, and to show us how good and faithful God really is. [00:54:07] (28 seconds) #TrialsTestFaith Edit Clip | Translate Clip

Even inside the valley of the shadow of death, in our struggles, God shows us and takes us to the green pastures, green grass, and clean water. Okay? In the midst of our most difficult circumstances. Remember, there is grass and water in the valley. Okay? So even in, as we're struggling through our life in the valley of the shadow of death, he will take us where there is clean water and green grass. Why? Because he's our good shepherd. [00:55:09] (37 seconds) #ProvisionInTheValley Edit Clip | Translate Clip

David can say that because, because David firsthand and personally experienced God's care in his life so that he can go back. Okay? Go back to remember. And that's what we have to do when we're in the valley. We need to remember, okay, God's faithfulness in the past. And if you're too young of a Christian and don't have much to remember, then you need to start trusting God as your shepherd. Okay? Let him lead you. Let him guide you. Let him protect you. Let him provide for you. Let him take care of you so that when you face, okay, your dark night of soul, when you go through the valley of the shadow of death, okay, then you can remember, okay, how good he is, okay, you're going to know, you're going to remember from your experiences that how good and faithful our God is, okay, what he has already done for you. [00:56:24] (59 seconds) #RememberGodsFaithfulness Edit Clip | Translate Clip

What we celebrate and what we're grateful isn't the absence of calamity, isn't the absence of adversity, okay? But rather that God, what we celebrate is that God is faithfully present in all of our life situations, situations that are good and situations that are bad. He is present. [01:03:14] (21 seconds) #RodAndStaffSymbolism Edit Clip | Translate Clip

The rod and the staff are two tools that shepherds carry, always. They never leave without the rod and the staff. And you know what? The rod and the staff symbolically represents the presence of God. So think about it. Shepherd represents God. The rod and the staff represents the presence of God. I mean, can it get any better? We have God himself, his presence with us, okay? [01:03:53] (32 seconds) #RodRepresentsStrength Edit Clip | Translate Clip

``If the place of our fear is the valley, then the source of our courage is the presence of God. Let me say that again. If the place of our fear is the valley, then the source of our courage is the presence of God. Amen. [01:06:42] (20 seconds) #SeekGodInTheValley Edit Clip | Translate Clip

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