Bible Study & Devotional
🟥 Guiding Scripture Psalm 23:1-6
🔴 It’s Only A Shadow
Psalm 23 is a very intimate portion of scripture. A majority of Christians have this scripture embedded in their memory. You learn it at a young age and recite it for the rest of your life. Recently, I decided to do a deep dive into Psalm 23 and dissect the layered metaphors. I received such a revelation from this study.
Although each verse is infinitely profound, one statement almost flatlined me. The Lord showed me a new perspective. The fourth verse brought me hope, strength, encouragement, and I pray this revelation does the same for you.
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of the death,
I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” PSALM 23:4 KJV
First things first, the promise of this verse reminds us to walk through valleys. It’s not an option; it’s not a 50-50 chance…we are GUARANTEED to encounter hard times. That’s not the most positive news.
If thought through with the proper perspective, the next part of the verse can be a game-changer: “I walk through the valley of the shadow of death.”
Keyword: Shadow
We’ve all seen shadows before. Shadows always distort reality. They make you seem taller than you are. They magnify objects that are actually really small. They present an image that does not match what is there.
So yes, this verse says that we will walk through valleys with shadows of death, but take hope in this! That is your Good News: IT IS JUST A SHADOW.
Death-fear-sickness-brokeness is just a shadow. Whatever hard thing you’re facing is only a SHADOW the enemy wants you to believe that this thing will take you out. He wants you to become so overwhelmed with your situation that you think that there’s no remedy. He wants the shadows to bring that impending fear like off the scary movies. He wants your heart beating fast as fear comes over you and paralyzes you.
I want to encourage you to remind Satan of this very reality: It’s just a shadow! Scripture is the alive and active Word of God, and it’s also your weapon against attacks. The next time the enemy tries to scare you by throwing challenging situations, remind him that he has ALREADY LOST. Remind him that his tactics won’t work because you already know that they’re not what they look like. His shadows have distorted what is valid, but you can see around the corner. You can see that it’s not a giant monster coming for you—it’s just silly little Satan and his spawns scrambling trying to find anything to knock you out.
Spoiler alert: He doesn’t win. EVER.
Keywords: FEAR NO EVIL
Why won’t we fear? Well, because our God is with us. His rod and His staff are a comfort to us. His correction and His guidance are what will keep us on track. That is what will keep us grounded, not looking to the right or the left, but straight forward to what God has for us. This one verse can be our armor as we withstand the schemes of the enemy. Use this verse as an affirmation. Strengthen yourself in the Lord as David did. That is your key.
You’ve studied your enemy. You know what he’s going to try. You know that he’s just playing with the flashlight making “shadows,” but it’s nothing to be scared about because you know that God is with you. So flip on the lights and let the enemy know that you’ve caught him. He won’t scare you. Remind Him of the God you serve, who is high and lifted, seated on the THRONE.
It’s just a shadow. There’s no reason to fear.
~Stephanie Bright
Stephanie Bright CEO of Christian Girls P.O.P
This devotional was written by Stephanie Bright a loving contributor to Our Given Purpose®. Edited by Torrie Slaughter in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
🔴 The Bible In A Year Daily Reading Plan
Genesis 37:1-38:30, Matthew 12:22-45, Psalm 16:1-11, Proverbs 3:27-32
Download or Print the One Year Bible Reading Plan
© Torrie Slaughter, LLC; Torrie Slaughter Photography, and Our Given Purpose®
Bible in a Year Day 18
Youthful confidence can quickly become adult arrogance. I am guilty of sharing exciting revelations without considering the feelings of others. God’s truth causes conflict. It is the tension at the intersection of the cross and begs us to choose a righteous response.
Joseph’s brothers and father were not thrilled with the dream he had. Imagine bowing down and serving a too young, over-confident, flashy dressing family member. It doesn’t sit well. The verse (Deuteronomy 28:13) that God will make you the head and not the tail might be your defiant retort. However, the servant mentality of Christ’s example and teaching humbles our behavior.
The word ‘meanwhile’ at the point of Jacob’s inconsolable grief (Genesis 36:37) is my ‘God Shot’. Study what was happening: the continued deception, God’s providently hand, and future blessing.
Psalm 16:11 reminds us that God will show us the path of life; if we are in His presence, we will experience the fullness of joy. ~ Torrie Slaughter