FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER A
Today’s psalm comforts, helps, and inspires us because it’s apparent that
David – who wrote the psalm - really believes what he is saying about God. It
comes across as authentic. With simple beauty, it speaks of green pastures and still
waters, as well as dark valleys and enemies and adversities.
We realize as we pray with these words that what David writes is not
exaggeration or deep theology. He really believes that he has experienced God in
these ways, heard God’s voice, followed God’s lead, felt God’s care. Beneath the
beauty of David’s words there are solid convictions, formed in the crucible of
crisis.
David uses the example of a shepherd with his sheep to describe the
relationship God has with us. The first part of the psalm is comforting as the
shepherd leads his flock to green grass and calm water. He stays with us, even
when we must pass through the dark valley.
But why does the good shepherd, who would lay down his life for us, lead us
into dark valleys, filled with danger and death threats? The only possible answer is
that he desires to lead us to a better place.
As you are walking through the dark valley of fear during this pandemic.
When you have cancer and have to decide whether you will continue you’re
treatments.
When your finances are tight, and you’re taking on another job or trying to
navigate the bureaucracy of unemployment insurance in order to make ends meet,
remember this:
The good shepherd is guiding us even in this hard time. He is leading us
through this valley for reasons that may not be apparent. But, we can be assured
that his is taking us to a higher place, where the sun is warm and the grass is lush.
David tells us that it is the good shepherd that gives us courage. He tells us
that even in the valley of the shadow of death, he did not dread the distress he
would face or cower in the face of crisis.
Every low valley we go through is a pathway to something better. Being in
the valley isn’t good, but with the good shepherd as our guide we can make it
through – he knows the way. There is no valley; there is no darkness that you will
go through alone, for the good shepherd will not leave you.
When you find yourself afraid, in the dark, and uncertain about the future;
when all the color has drained out of your life and your soul is downcast; look up!
Fix your eyes on the on Jesus, the good shepherd. Stay close to him and trust that
he knows the way through whatever valley you may find yourself in and that he
will see you safely through.
And, hold on to the truth that there is something better waiting on the other
side of the valley.