Pastor’s Perspective: Walking through the shadows: a lesson from Psalm 23

By Guest Columnist Rev. J.D. Yates

I’m not a grammarian or a scholar, but I do remember the day my teacher explained the eight parts of speech. That lesson on prepositions stuck with me, especially now when I reflect on Psalm 23:4a: “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death…”
The job of a preposition, as I learned, is to tell you where the noun is. For instance, “The dog went over the bridge,” or “The dog went under the bridge.”

The preposition reveals location.

In this verse, “through” is the preposition, and David is the noun. So where is David? He’s through it! He might appear to be in the valley, but the preposition reminds us of his position—he is already making it through. That’s not just grammar; it’s good news. As children of God, we’re not defined by our present condition but by our pre-position in Christ. The valley may feel dark and daunting, but we’re already through it because of God’s presence.

Do you trust this truth, or are you consumed by the shadows around you? Have you ever found yourself afraid of the shadows? Shadows often prey on our fears, giving distorted images of reality. A short person can cast a long shadow, while a tall person may cast a tiny one. Simple hand movements can create shadow puppets that resemble animals or people.

Shadows trick us into seeing what isn’t real. Shadows unsettle us, because they remind us of past dangers or pain that often occur under the cover of darkness. Yet, shadows only exist because something blocks the light. They can’t appear unless something stands between the light source and its destination.

In life, death often casts its shadow over us, standing between humanity and the true Light, shrouding us in fear, loneliness, or despair. But, even in the valley of the shadow of death, there is no need to fear. Why? Because the Psalmist reminds us: “For thou art with me.”

What gives us the courage to walk boldly through the shadowy valleys of life? It’s the presence of God. When the shadows seem overwhelming, we can remember that the light is never gone—it’s just momentarily obstructed.

By keeping our hand in God’s hand, we can navigate the valley with peace and assurance. Death and its shadows lose their power when we trust the One who walks with us. After all, we’re not stuck in the valley; we’re walking through it.

So, the next time you find yourself afraid of the shadows, remember your position in Christ. Shadows are temporary, but God’s light and presence are eternal.