The Dark Path.

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. Psalm 23:4

Biblehub: Benson Commentary

“Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death — Through a dark and dismal valley, full of terrors and dangers, as this phrase signifies, that is, though I am in peril of death, though in the midst of dangers, deep as a valley, dark as a shadow, and dreadful as death itself: or rather, though I am under the arrests of death, and have received the sentence of death within myself, and have every reason to look upon myself as a dying man: I will fear no evil — I will not give way to my fears, but will confidently rely upon the word and promise of God, persuaded that his grace shall be sufficient for me, and that he will make even death itself work for my good. Observe, reader, a child of God may meet the messengers of death, and receive its summons, with a holy security and serenity of mind. He may bid it defiance, and say with Paul, O death where is thy sting? For thou art with me — Here is the ground of a true Christian’s confidence when in the valley of the shadow of death, God is with him, and his presence inspires him with confidence and comfort, hope and joy. It affords him light amidst the darkness of the valley, and life in the death of it. Thy rod and thy staff — Thy word and thy Spirit; comfort me — His gospel is the rod of his strength, and there is enough in that to comfort the saints, both while they live, even in their greatest troubles, and also when they are dying. And his Spirit is the Comforter himself, and where he is, support and comfort cannot be wanting. His rod of chastisement and correction also ministers to the comfort of his people, and much more his staff of support, his upholding grace, which, under all their trials, and even in their last and greatest trial, is sufficient for them. Or the rod may signify his pastoral care, and inspection of the flock, (alluding to the shepherd’s crook, or rod, under which the sheep passed when they were counted Leviticus 27:32) and the staff, the defense, and protection afforded them, the shepherd with his staff being wont to defend his sheep from the dogs and wolves that would worry them. Or, as others interpret the words, the rod here, in allusion to the rod of Moses, may be considered as an emblem of power, especially as the word, shebet, here translated rod, often signifies a sceptre, or some other ensign of authority. And the word translated staff, mishgneneh, properly signifies what a person leans upon for support. Thus interpreted, the clause means, The sceptre of thy kingdom, or thy power protects me, and thy support upholds me, and so both minister to my comfort.”

Have you had this experience yet? Have you ever been faced with the shadow of death? Have you been in that place of great despair … yet Jesus was with you? Did the Holy Spirit come and comfort you in your darkest hour? Can Jesus trust you to walk a path like this, for He knows you and your relationship with Him? Or are you still that immature / baby sheep that will freak out in that place? Are you one of those whom Jesus has entrusted that difficult process and trial to suffer and experience? Do you blame Him or glorify Him after it? Maturity has much to do with how we are able to control our emotions and reactions.

What is on the horizon of this ‘hour’ is not comforting. I pray we learn now from His ‘rod’ of correction in this easier ‘time’/ day. That our hearts would submit and agree with the Truth about ourselves the Holy Spirit is revealing to our minds and hearts. Is He convicting you of things you need to repent of? Is He pointing out character flaws within you He wants to change? Are you surrendered to Him?

Are you able to hear Him in the time of crisis, chaos, and panic? Can you discern His Voice now? Today is the day. Don’t wait. Don’t dismiss His gentle prompting to ‘walk with Him’. Press into the things He is showing you. Set yourself before Him … continually. Learn from the Holy Spirit! Ask Him to speak to you, teach you, guide you, and comfort you. HE IS YOUR SOURCE! The Holy Spirit brings the Rhema Word to your heart at the exact right time.

Holy Spirit SPEAK to me today!