Death and Dying

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me – Psalm 23:4

We read in yesterday’s devotion that God is with us even to our old age. The psalmist takes it a step further with the assurance “thoughI walk through the valley of the shadow of death…” There is no evil to fear—even the greatest and last enemy death—when God is with us.

As one young believer stated, when she was diagnosed with terminal cancer, “It is not death I fear, but the valley of its shadow — but He is with me.” The emotional and physical pain leading up to death can often be more intimidating than the moment of death itself, because we know that death is the end of our suffering and sorrow. 

But, as the psalmist observed, even death’s great shadow (under which we all walk while on this cursed earth, in varying degrees of darkness) cannot rob us of the presence of our Savior. Therefore, there is never any need for fear.

Dear believer, are you struggling under the fear of death? Has its shadow darkened your joy or dampened your pleasure? Know that the great Shepherd is always near His sheep and He has never been known to forsake a single one. He is with you now, and He will be with you until you walk out of the valley’s shadow, into the warming rays of the Son.