Psalms 23:4 KJV
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
As Christians, we must understand that the valley of the shadow of death is all around us. The results of the fall of mankind can be seen every day in almost every place. Satan is now the god of this world (2 Corinthians 4:4). We live in this world, but we are not of this world (John 17:14-16). We must learn how to live for God in this evil, fallen world.
We must understand that death and evil will always be present as long as we live in this world. Psalms 23:5 says, “Thou preparest a table before me IN THE PRESENCE OF MINE ENEMIES.” So, I’m walking through the valley of the shadow of death in the presence of my enemies. This doesn’t sound like the greatest of environments! But, the word also tells me that God is with me, his rod (defense) and staff (help) comfort me! He’s prepared a table (banquet) for me in the presence of my enemies!
I learned this the hard way! Every time I would face an attack I would stop everything I was doing to focus on getting through the attack. I would be going along just fine and then lose my focus for a few months at times. The Lord spoke to me one day and said, “You don’t have time to stop what I’ve called you to do every time you face opposition. You must learn to trust me in the storm.” I really didn’t realize what I was doing at that time, but I was allowing the opposition I faced to distract me from God’s plan for my life! We do not have time to do this!
Keep Walking if you are in the valley of the shadow of death today! Keep walking if enemies have risen up against you! Just know that God is with you and he is preparing a table for you right in the presence of your enemies!