Psalm 23

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

- Psalm 23:4

I grew up in a big city. It was a city of 15 million people at the time in the 1990’s and that period in my city was called the Wicked 90s. I lived in Moscow, Russia immediately following the collapse of the Soviet Union. The collapse left the city in utter chaos. The mafia essentially ran the city.

We took comfort in the fact that the mafia were very good at what they did and when they wanted to hurt or kill someone there was rarely, if ever, collateral damage.

My family learned early on that we were to keep a low profile and blend it as best we could. This was somewhat easier for us than other missionaries from other parts of the world. We could pass for Russian thanks to our Nordic ancestry. Our Korean and Nigerian friends did not find living in Moscow very easy due to the color of their skin and their nationality.

My older sister and I were taught from an early age to always be aware of our surroundings. A life of high alert… fight or flight instincts kept us safe.

We were coached to never walk alone and if we did get into a predicament… to find a Russian grandma, a Babushka, and stay close to her. Why? Well, no one messes with a Russia grandma.

The streets were well lit and even though in the winter the sun went down around 4pm, the streetlights were a source of comfort and safety.

However, there were times that the streetlights would go out and we would have to walk through a dark alley to get home.

In those moments our ears were pricked, our eyes wide, and our breath steeled. We were hyper aware of our surroundings and made our way quickly through the dark alley to the safety of the light on the other side.

When I read this Scripture about a dark valley, I don’t really have a good mental image of what that would feel like in the same way the Psalmist would. But I think my dark Russian alley is a good comparison.

You see…. Not only is the valley dark, but it means that predators have the higher ground, in the valley it is harder to run away because there is only forward or backward. It is not only a dark place to be but also a very vulnerable place to be.

My dark alley in Russia is similar. Predators were known to lurk in the dark corners of the alley ways. It is harder to run away because there are only two ways to go… forward or backward. So, it is not only a dark place but also a vulnerable place.

Have you ever experienced a feeling of vulnerability that was overwhelming? One where your heart begins to pound, and your mind begins to race?

This is the “valley of the shadow of death.” A dark and vulnerable place in our spirit. Maybe for you it has been a past trauma, or it is an addiction, or it is a mental health issue. It seems so trite to say… but do not fear because the Good Shepherd is with you. Walking with you through the darkness. Holding your hand as you experience every new wave of vulnerability.

Psalm 23 reverberates through the prayer of Jesus for the disciples and by extension us as well. Jesus said, “I have said this to you so that in me you may have peace. In the world you face persecution, but take courage: I have conquered the world!”[1]

We live in the constant tension of the healing and forgiveness of our sins through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. However, we also wait for the fullness of New Creation. This tension means that we are forgiven from the spiritual consequences of sin, but there are still earthly consequences.

Now, that does not mean we should go around and not be mindful of our surroundings. We should be people that live by faith and not fear. We should also be people who pray for God’s wisdom in all situations.

There is a difference between being faithful and reckless. We are called to be faithful and follow where God leaves. WHEN it leads us through dark valleys where we are vulnerable, we are not to be afraid because God is with us. He is guiding us. He has NEVER given up on us.

God does not promise that we will be delivered from all suffering, hardship, and enemies. Psalm 23 says that “he will prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.” In the ancient near east, sitting together at a table was a place of hospitality. In another way, a place of vulnerability. This is another example of how God goes before and prepares the table for us to be able to share in hospitality with our enemies. We cannot do this in our own strength. We must rely on God to help us host our enemies well, without fear, and with his love.

May we be people who are characterized by the peace of Christ that passes all understanding. The peace of Christ that enables us to walk through dark valleys of vulnerability and the peace of Christ that enables us to extend hospitality to our enemies.

[1] John 16:33 NRSV