DON’T FEAR THE SHADOWS

“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.” — Psalm 23:4 (KJV)

Life has a way of leading us through valleys. We don’t always know how we ended up there, and we don’t always see the path out. Sometimes, the shadows in those valleys feel overwhelming, dark, looming, and full of unknowns. But what David wrote in Psalm 23 reminds us of a powerful truth: even in the darkest valleys, even in the presence of shadows, we are never alone.

Let’s break this down together, take a breath, and look at it with fresh eyes.

David didn’t say, “If I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,” or “There’s a chance I might.” No, he said, “Though I walk through…” That word “though” tells us something important: valleys are a part of life. Dark places, uncertain seasons, difficult paths, they happen to everyone. Even to kings. Even to shepherds. Even to you and I.

But here’s the heart of this verse: just because you’re in a dark place doesn’t mean you’re on the wrong path.

Let that sink in. The presence of shadows doesn’t mean the absence of God’s guidance.

Many of us think that if we’re following God, life should be clear, peaceful, and full of light. But David, a man after God’s own heart, knew something deeper. He knew that the right path isn’t always the easiest one. Sometimes God leads us through the valley, not around it. And sometimes, it’s in that valley that we come to truly feel His presence.

Here’s the thing about shadows: they aren’t real. A shadow is an image, a dark outline cast by something that is real. But the shadow itself? It can’t touch you. It can’t hurt you. It’s just a distortion of something else. And yet, how often do we fear the shadows?

We fear what might happen. We fear the unknown. We fear failure, rejection, illness, loss, and all the things our minds can imagine in the dark. But David teaches us something powerful here: Do not fear what does not exist.

Let’s say that again, Do not fear what does not exist.

The valley of the shadow of death is just that—a shadow. It’s not death. It’s not evil. It’s a place where those things seem near, but David declares, “I will fear no evil.” Why? Because “Thou art with me.”

In the valley, it’s not the darkness we need to focus on, it’s God’s presence.

His rod and staff, symbols of the Shepherd’s care, guidance, and protection, are with us. They bring comfort, not because the path is easy, but because we are never abandoned while we are on it.

Think about this: shadows only exist because there’s Light. Without Light, there would be no shadow. So when you see a shadow, even a dark and fearful one, it’s proof that Light is still present. God’s Light still shines, even when we feel surrounded by darkness. And that Light is a promise: you are not alone.

So, what do we do when we walk through our own personal valleys? When fear grips us, and the shadows feel heavy?

We trust the Shepherd.

He knows the way. He has walked every path before us. He leads us, not to leave us in the valley, but to bring us through it. Notice that David says, “walk through.” The valley is not your home. It’s not your final destination. It’s part of the journey, not the end of it. God doesn’t intend for you to stay there forever, He’s walking you through to the other side.

Let’s talk real life for a moment. Maybe you’re facing a tough season right now. Maybe the job you thought would bring joy has become a burden. Maybe your health is not the best right now, or a relationship is strained, or your future just feels clouded in shadows. It’s easy to wonder, “Where is God in all this?”

But Psalm 23:4 reminds you, He’s right there with you. Right in the middle of it. Walking with you step by step.

Fear wants you to forget that. Fear magnifies the shadow and hides the Shepherd. But faith does the opposite—faith magnifies the Shepherd and shrinks the shadow.

Let your faith rise today. Declare with David: “I will fear no evil.” Not because evil doesn’t exist, but because God is bigger than the shadows. His presence is stronger than any darkness.

One last thought, don’t rush through the valley. That may sound strange, but sometimes it’s in the valley that God does His deepest work. In the valley, we learn to trust, to listen, to lean on the Shepherd. We grow there. We are refined there. And when we emerge on the other side, we know God more intimately than we ever could have if we had missed the valley.

So remember, shadows will come, but they are not the end of your story. Let them remind you of the light. Let them lead you to trust the Shepherd more deeply. And remember that you’re just walking through.

Do not fear the shadows. Fear not what does not exist. Walk with confidence, for He is with you. His rod and His staff—they comfort you. And His love will never leave you, not even in the valley.