“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.”  Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble.” (John 16:33), so we know bad things are going to happen; it began in the Garden of Eden.  Sometimes we are on the mountain top above trouble but sometimes we find ourselves in the valley.  The point is to, “walk through”, don’t camp there. And it’s not the Valley of Death but the SHADOW of death.  For something to have a shadow there must be light.  Fear no evil; it’s only a shadow because Jesus, the Light, is with you.  And, like the Good Shepherd, He has a big rod, (a weapon to beat off the enemy), and a staff, (an instrument to rescue stray lambs).  We can be comforted by that level of protection.

“Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.”  Imagine this scene: A big banquet is prepared by the King and you are the guest of honor.  You and your family and friends are seated around the table but, standing around the wall, are all your enemies, those who hate you and all the demons who’ve been harassing you.  But wait, this scene is not in Heaven, you won’t have any enemies in Heaven!  It’s on earth!  You are “anointed” which is to be made sacred (consecrated); to be set apart and dedicated to serve God.  This is happening to you at this banquet.  And the King, who is doing this for you, gives you everything you need…and more, your cup runs over!

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:” In addition to having the Good Shepherd taking care of you and being with you, you also have two of His staff, Goodness and Mercy, following you around to meet your needs as you go.

“and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.”  Think about it, you have all the benefits mentioned in each of these verses, and that would be good enough.  But you also get to live in the King’s house forever because you are His child!  So… you now have to answer one very important question: Is the Lord YOUR Shepherd?