Speaker: Pastor Neil Lindwall

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ESV Psalm 23:1-6 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.

CORE FOUR SURVIVAL RULES for the VALLEY OF THE SHADOW

1. Put God First. 

ESV Psalm 23:1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.  NIV Matthew 6:33 But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

ESV Romans 8:28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 

2. Embrace God's Guidance.

ESV Psalm 23:2-3 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.

3. Rest In God. 

ESV Psalm 23:4-5 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.   

The “valley of the shadow of death” is a profound metaphorical expression that extends far beyond literal death. It represents any path of gloom, trouble, or sorrow—encompassing not just death itself, but all the dark and dangerous journeys we encounter in life. Albert Barnes, Notes on the Old Testament: Psalms (London: Blackie & Son, 1870–1872), 211–212.  

4. Maintain Godly Perspective. 

ESV Psalm 23:6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. 

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. 

NIV Hebrews 12:1-3 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

When you find yourself walking in the Valley of the Shadow, Don’t Lose Hope. Don’t Stop Walking with God. Remember the Core Four in the Valley:

1. Put God First.

2. Embrace God’s Guidance.

3. Rest In God.

4. Maintain Godly Perspective. 

For you my friends & family in the faith, you will dwell in the house of the Lord forever!