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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, NASB1995).
Psalm 23 is the most popular chapter in the Bible, and its opening verse, “The Lord is my Shepherd,” is widely considered one of the most recognized and beloved passages in all of human literature.
The Valley for the Living
For 50 years I preached at memorial services and stood at gravesides, asking those gathered around the casket to repeat Psalm 23. Over those decades, I found that no words that I could author compared with the profound comfort of its verses.
Yet, as I’ve listened to, read, preached, and meditated on this Psalm through the years, I gradually grasped another truth about this chapter: it was written for those still living, not only to memorialize those passing into eternity.
A Mother’s Tragedy
One day, a woman made an appointment with me. She said she “just wanted to talk with someone.” I was that someone. As soon as she sat down in my office, she broke down in tears.
“My son was a forest firefighter,” she said. “About six months ago, after jumping from a helicopter to fight a fire, the helicopter tipped in his direction and he was decapitated. I can’t get over this. I’m losing my faith in God.”
The Comfort of Silence
A prolonged silence filled the room. It was difficult for me to say anything, as terrible situations require trust, not words.
Eventually I said, “Psalm 23 says, ‘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.’ This verse is not only for those who have passed but for those who are grieving. When we walk through the valley of the shadow of death in losing someone we love, we know that God’s presence walks with us, and that His rod and staff will comfort us.”
After a brief pause, I continued, “When I’ve experienced tragedy — and I’ve heard this same testimony from others in their losses — I have found that God comes and sits with us. In those moments, we can either trust Him or turn to disbelief. And though God doesn’t explain Himself, He does draw close. In His presence we find a peace that surpasses understanding.”
Presence Over Explanation
She looked at me intently. “As a pastor, I expected an explanation from you,” she said. “Are you saying that understanding won’t help? That I just need to know God is still in charge and working all things to the good? Do you mean His presence brings more comfort than words?”
To which I responded, “In the midst of your loss, have you been more comforted by just the presence of friends and family or their attempted, inadequate words of help?”
Looking Toward Eternity
As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 13:12, “For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face, now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known.”
Difficulties cannot be fully explained from an earthly perspective. This world simply isn’t big enough to provide all the answers. Eternity, however, holds the full knowledge that reveals perfect love.
Until eternity, we walk by faith, and then we will see the face of God.
