Theme: GOD’S DELIVERANCE
Text: “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.
Comment: Determined to sift us away from the path of righteousness so that we may lose life and peace, the devil afflicts God’s people by bringing on them very frustrating circumstances over which they have no control. His expectation is that those who lack understanding, would adopt the approach of Job’s wife, which is, abandon their faith, and then, “Curse God, and die.” (Job 2:9) However, what is expected of us is for us to remain firm in faith. We disappoint satan’s expectation by arming ourselves with the understanding that it is he, not the Almighty God, that is responsible for our temptations, as he would have us believe. James the apostle asserted: “For God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man.” – James 1:13.
The expression, “valley of the shadow of death” describes the most violent, strange, and unprecedented nature of trial that may face a child of God. King David, speaking for himself, stated that he would not be moved because of the comfort he derived from God’s word. Literally, a shepherd uses his staff to direct his flock. The statues and ordinances of God are for our edification, “learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” – Romans 15:4; Proverbs 29:15.
Notwithstanding the magnitude, nature or duration of our challenges, Eliphaz, the friend of Job assures us, “He shall deliver thee in six troubles, yea, in seven there shall no evil touch thee.” – Job 5:19; Psalm 50:15.