I used to think of Psalm 23 as a very comforting set of Bible verses. After all, it begins with a verse reminding us that the Lord is our Shepherd and it’s quickly followed by images of green pastures and still waters. It gives an initial impression of ease and rest.
It was only later on that I’ve realized how challenging it truly is, especially the following verses:
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil, for you are with me.”
– Psalm 23:4, WEB-BE
I’ve realized that walking with God doesn’t mean I’d never have to walk through the valley of the shadow of death! And when we do, is it that easy at all to fear no evil?
Walking with God doesn’t mean we’d already be exempt from the difficulties in life; it doesn’t mean we’d already be exempt from suffering. Walking with God doesn’t mean we’d never cry or feel hurt. In fact, when we walk with God, we have to prepare ourselves for times of distress and times of trial. We need to learn how to walk by faith even when all things seem to be against us.
This is where true faith is forged. When we allow God to lead us even in places where we are not comfortable anymore, even through places that test every ounce of courage in our being.
Check Jocelyn's books:
"Of Waves and Butterflies: Poems on Grief", "Mend My Broken Heart", "Questions to God", "To Love an Invisible God", "Defending My Catholic Faith", and more - click here.
(You may freely quote excerpts from this website as long as due credit is given to author Jocelyn Soriano and the website itakeoffthemask.com)