Daily Thought

This wonderful psalm commences with a wonderful conclusion! Instead of moving towards this as a grand finale, David gives his final analysis at the beginning - ‘The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want’. David had well proved this great truth before writing this beautiful psalm.

Many see much of David’s life and experience here, but he starts his psalm by testifying to the Person of the Shepherd and then to the provision of the Shepherd. He knows Him and therefore knows He will provide. He proceeds to express the Shepherd’s direction, v. 3, and His defence, v. 4, as he walks through and fears not.

Because of his Shepherd, he knows neither want, v. 1, nor fear, v. 4; Deut. 2. 7; 8. 9. The title for today reminds us of the valley of Elah, which could have been a valley of death for David. However, by the Lord’s presence and enabling he overcame the giant Goliath. He is not walking or even running in the valley but rather walking through it. He knows the Lord’s presence with him and anticipates being brought out of the valley of the shadow of death.

It is noticeable that David moves from speaking about the Shepherd, vv. 1-3, to speaking to the Shepherd, v, 4. How encouraging to know that He is with us, and He is for us to provide help, however difficult the circumstances may be! We should be seeking and knowing His presence constantly, Heb. 13. 5.

‘Thou art with me’: -

‘Thou’ - Privilege indeed! Not a theory, philosophy or even a religion, but the Lord Himself.

‘Art’ - Present. He is constantly with me in the present trial and difficulty. He is more concerned about me than He is about my troubles, 1 Pet. 5. 7.

‘With’ - Presence. ‘Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me’, 2 Tim. 4. 17.

‘Me’ - Personal. David’s prayer is addressed to One he knows intimately. He is my Shepherd and I can rely on Him to care for and to protect me. In addition, He makes full Provision for me, vv. 5, 6.