Deepest Darkness - Psalm 23:4

I dont know this for certain, but I would guess that the 23rd Psalm has to be one of the most widely read, quoted, printed and clung to scriptures of the bible.  Its a good one, there is no doubt about it. From the opening stanza to the final refrain, it is back to back to back promise and encouragement. I like it!

The interesting verse is this 4th verse.  "Even if I go through the deepest darkness, I will not be afraid. Lord you are with me.."   This Psalm opens up with the declarative statement that "The Lord is my Shepherd".  These few words are packed with imagery and indicative ideas about the speakers role and the Lords role.  Sheep and Shepherd.   The idea of being a sheep under the care of a shepherd is ripe with positive ideas and imagery.  The Shepherd, as Jesus says, lays down his life for the sheep. It is also plain that the shepherd leads the flock to the places he desires them to go.  He knows what is best for the sheep and His leadership takes them to places that they will prosper and grow fat (thats a symbolic term for blessed).

Then in the middle of this Psalm the "sheep" makes an interesting statement. "It looks like we are going to walk through some very scary places".  What would be the reason for this path? Is this a detour or is this a planned walk though the deep and the dark. The sheep makes a statement that the Shepherds rod and staff are a comfort to the sheep, but every step through the dark makes the next one harder.  Freeze or run? Both seem like good choices compared to walking calmly beside the shepherd.

What can we conclude from this verse? That there are dark places for the believer even when they are being led by the Spirit? That some places of blessing are just on the other side of a deep dark place?  That to say that we trust is one thing and to trust in the shadow of death are sometimes not the same thing?

Look I dont have all or even most of the answers. I do have opinion though.  Jesus said that he would never leave or forsake us.  We are instructed that the steps of a good man are ordered of the Lord.  Can we conclude from these scriptures that this Dark Path is part of the plan for us in Christ.  I guess that this blog is really intended to get you thinking. I believe that the Lord leads us and being led some times means that we have to go to places we would rather not go.  We are promised the Masters fellowship but we are not promised a bump free journey. What do troubles teach us in Christ?  What do difficult places do to our relationship with Christ?

The Shepherd of our lives has a plan for us. Every step, every valley has a purpose for our lives.  To resist or to run in the face of danger would be to unplug the plan that the Master has for his sheep.  Dont hold back or run for "your life".  There is blessing waiting for us if we simply follow the Shepherd to where he is leading us.