William Carey is known as the “father of modern missions”. But when he first arrived in India in 1792, he was quickly besieged by illness, loneliness and poverty. Then he was deserted by his missionary partner, one of his sons died of dysentery, and his wife’s mental health deteriorated so severely that she threatened him with a knife.
"I am in a strange land with no Christian friend, a large family and nothing to supply their wants," Carey wrote. "This is indeed the valley of the shadow of death to me."
Carey’s dark valley was impossible to navigate, humanly speaking. Yet he could write, "But I rejoice that I am here notwithstanding; and God is here." Carey’s hope echoed David’s when he composed Psalm 23: “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me” (Psalm 23:4).
Hope in life’s valleys is found in the Shepherd who walks through them with us. He promises that whatever valley we’re facing, it will come to an end; one day we will finally sit at the table He has prepared for us in his home (vv. 5–6).
If you’re walking through a valley today, you can get a sense of that glorious future as you draw close to your Shepherd, the source of all reassurance. Seasons of darkness can become seasons of hope when we affirm, “You are with me” (v. 4).
By Chris Wale
REFLECT & PRAY
Which promises or assurances in Psalm 23 bring you special hope and comfort? How can they help you draw closer to your Shepherd today?
Good Shepherd, I thank You that You are with me. No matter what I face or go through, You will walk each step and each moment with me.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
As a young man in rural Bethlehem, David killed dangerous predators that stalked his father’s sheep. Later he knew great victory in battle and also the terror of fleeing for his life from a jealous king (and later from his own son). Through it all, David learned he could rely on his Shepherd. And that’s the greatest reason for Psalm 23’s universal appeal. The object of praise is the Good Shepherd—David’s and ours. This wasn’t the first time God had been seen as a shepherd. As Jacob lay dying, he referred to God as a shepherd, saying, “The God who has been my shepherd” (Genesis 48:15) and credited “the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel” ( 49:24) for Joseph’s blessings.
The shepherd imagery used by David was later referenced by Jesus, who said, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:11).
Tim Gustafson
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