Death is not a popular subject. People will change the subject like a TV programme. We are not to be afraid of death but rather to anticipate it. The valley of the shadow of death actually exists in the Middle East. It was seen as a dangerous place with its steep slopes. David learnt to smile at death.

1 – Accept death as a decided fact (vs. 4)

“Yea”. It is a fact that we don’t want to face. It is appointed unto man once to die. The only exception is if Jesus comes first. It is a stubborn fact. One out of one people die. It is an uncertain fact. We do not know when we will die. We must preach as a dying man to dying men. Our life is like a mist on a frosty morning. It is a personal fact – I walk. You need to look death straight in the face – “Yea, though”.

2 – Acknowledge death as a defeated foe (vs. 4)

There can be no valley without mountains! This is a valley Psalm between two mountain Psalms. (See Psalm 22 & 24) Look at the mountains! There can be no shadow without a light. Death is just a shadow if you know the Lord Jesus Christ. A shadow may frighten you but it cannot hurt you. The shadow of a car may pass over you without hurting. The truck hit Jesus two thousand years ago. Death is a shadow there is nothing to fear! There is no evil without a greater good. There may be evil but Jehovah is with us. Grace is greater than sin and God is greater than Satan.

3 – Acknowledge death as a delightful friend (vs. 4)

See 1 Corinthians 3:22-23. There is the presence of the shepherd (Thou art with me). There is nothing that will bring you face to face with Jesus than in the valley. When I die there is the presence and power of the shepherd. The Lord will have his rod and staff. It is presence in his sight when one of his saints dies. The purpose of the shepherd is to bring us through the valley. He is leading us though to a better place. The shepherd always leads his sheep to better pastures. The Devil keeps people in bondage with the fear of death. You put your faith where God has put your sins – on Jesus.

Categories: Psalms