The Divine Names: Jehovah Raah Pt. 4

Good morning Dear Readers.....

This morning is awash in golden sunlight and the air is full of birds singing loudly. We have some bushes we planted years ago called Sand Cherries. They are now blossoming with small flowers of pink and five petals. They have a dark maroon center with a dot of gold. 

The flowers are very small, maybe one inch diameter and the color really pops against the deep burgundy foliage of the bushes. The best part in my opinion is the wonderful scent that the blooms exude. It is one of the finest spring smells because it is sweet, refreshing, yet not overpowering.  

This morning, we will look at verse 4 of Psalm 23. In verse 3 we learned of our need for periodic refreshment and revival, and that Jehovah is ready and willing to do this work in our lives. He does this so that we are ready to resume serving His purposes for our lives and through our lives.

Jehovah our Shepherd grants safety and

comfort in all circumstances.

Psalm 23:4 ⁴    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.

The sheep of Jehovah leave the tranquil beauty of green pastures and still waters, where they have been fed and had time to digest what Jehovah has taught them. 

Now it is time to move forward  to walk on the path of life with Jehovah our Shepherd. When we submit to Him, Jehovah leads us in the right path even when we face a valley full of the shadows of death.

A valley identifies a specific place, such as the valley of Jezreel. Here it identifies a valley where death casts a shadow. Bedouins frequently lingered in valleys to attack and rob travelers. Enemy armies plotted ambushes in valleys. Sometimes rainfall generated severe flash flooding in the valleys, and people on low ground were endangered by the flooding.

King David may have been thinking about his own military experiences in valleys, or he might have been thinking to that day when Jehovah would call him home. 


We face the world’s uncertainties after being revived, rested and refreshed.

I think it is important to remember that our Gracious God does not  send His sheep into battle until He has equipped us and prepared us. The restoring and reviving work that Jehovah does in our hearts is how He equips and prepares us to re-enter the battle.

Consider these verses from Psalm 46. The words are a microcosm of the trouble and turmoil that plagues this sin cursed world. The Lord is our unfailing place of refuge & shelter during the storms of life. 

Psalm 46:1-3 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof.

Our enemies are real but we do not fear because

our Shepherd goes with us.

We do face enemies. Sometimes it is a co-worker who is hostile toward us.  Sometimes a person attempts to sabotage what we are trying to accomplish. Sometimes people are enemies because we have shared the word of God with them, and they don't like to hear the truth. 

Sometimes we are our own worst enemy when we stray from God and become ensnared in the consequences of sin or apathy. Sometimes the devil will attack us because he does not want us to live out the gospel in our lives. He will ruin our testimony if he has opportunity to do so. 

Life is full of many uncertainties. Political upheaval, scandals, financial collapses, ethnic purges, religious persecution, and ceaseless wars are a very real part of daily living. 

A family crisis, health issues and unexpected deaths are a very real part of daily living. We may be directly or indirectly caught up in tragic events that can crush us. Jehovah has promised to walk by our side through all this life, if we lean upon HIs everlasting arms. 

Deuteronomy 31:8 And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed. 

The shadows of life’s challenges give way to

Jehovah’s comforting presence.

The Psalmist reminds us that God is still on HIs throne, He is still in control and He is still advancing His purposes throughout the world. We can rest securely in the promises of God's wonderful word. God will always do what He says He will do. This is because of His unchangeable character that is the motivation for all that He does.

Psalm 119:50  This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me.

Psalm 119:76  Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant

Points to Ponder.........

• What valleys are you walking through today?

• Are the uncertainties of life overcoming you?

• Does everything seem spiraling out of control on your life?

Verse 4 of this wonderful Shepherd Psalm reminds us that Jehovah has promised to walk through every valley of life with us. His rod and staff will protect us from our enemies or the unpleasant realities of life that we encounter. His presence is assured and His promises are true. We can rest in them as we trust Him.

Bob