TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Psalm 23:4

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.

TODAY’S MESSAGE:

The 23rd Psalm is widely read at funerals, for there is great comfort in knowing that their loved one who has recently walked through this valley is now with Jesus.

Sometimes, however, the valley of the shadow of death is a city sidewalk. as Toronto has experienced in two terrifying incidents and many smaller isolated occurrences. Just leaving our homes to go to the store, an evening stroll, or out to dinner has the potential to turn into a tragedy.

You might find it interesting to note that the Valley of the Shadow of Death is a geographic place: it is a nickname for the Qidron Valley. It is a steep, winding road, with rocks and a huge cliff on the right side. As shepherds walked in the deep valley below, thieves and bandits hid along the top of the hill or in crevices along the slopes of the hill. It is a possible location of David’s confrontation with Goliath, and it was this valley that Jesus had to cross to reach the Garden of Gethsemane.

Just as the shepherds trusted God to keep them safe, so must we depend on Him to keep our city streets free from danger.