C'mon. We're going in.

Wednesday, August 20, 2014 Posted by Katie

“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” - Psalm 23:4

I’ve probably read this verse a million times. I wondered what new wisdom it could possibly hold for me as I considered it for this week’s post. Lo and behold, the Living Word did not disappoint and has wowed me once again. I was surprised by what struck me.

It wasn’t the “darkest valley” part, the fact that all of us have our troubles to bear. Been there, got that.

It wasn’t the “fear no evil” part, although, I admit I still don’t understand the “peace that goes beyond understanding.” Guess that’s why they call it that.

It wasn’t the “for you are with me” part. I know you are with me God. Always.

It wasn’t even the wild “rod and staff” comforting thing, although that is just plain cool. (Did you know that the rod was used to protect against foes while the staff was used to keep the sheep, themselves, out of trouble? In essence, God our Shepherd is prepared to protect us from our enemies AND from ourselves??)

No, the thing that wowed me was something else.

It was the “walking” thing.

It was the idea that in the darkest of valleys, where no one could blame me for being afraid, and where I would need to be accompanied, protected, and guided because the dangers are real...I am walking. As in, moving forward.

It was the idea that God does not tuck me safely away from the evils of this world, but rather, He is a moving and dynamic protector. Because, regardless of what the valley may hold for me, I must keep going.

It was the idea that walking through the darkest valley is quite emboldening. While God could shield me from the world (while I lie, shaking, in a fetal position), He instead grabs His rod and His staff and says to me, “C’mon. We’re going in.”

Wow.

“Even though I walk…”

Let’s go, Jesus.

Amen.