Anchor My Faith

God Is with Us

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. (Psalm 23:4 ESV)

Psalm 23 is a hymn of confidence in the Lord’s care for us; care like that of a shepherd for his sheep who would lay down his life for them. Because of his care for us, we shall not want and are spiritually safe with him even in the presence of our enemies.

There are so many ways to apply our daily verse, or so many different things that can be said about it, I have decided to consider its connection to persecution that so many of our brothers and sisters face in the world today. They face persecution because they have given their lives to Jesus and will not deny him in the face of threat. An example of this kind of faithfulness is seen in Daniel’s three friends, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who would not serve the gods of Nebuchadnezzar or worship the golden image of himself that he set up. They were brought before Nebuchadnezzar and given one more chance to bow down, but they refused, and said, ¹⁷ “Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. ¹⁸ But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up” (Daniel 3:17 – 18 ESV).

When we as believers face persecution, we enter the valley of the shadow of death, where in the darkened locations evil may be present. We may not know when or where the enemy will strike and when the strike occurs, we don’t know if it will cost us our life or some form of suffering, but we are not to fear what the enemy can do to us for our God is with us to provide for us.

As believers are tortured and imprisoned, they sense the presence of God in their fellowship of suffering. It is a time when they know Jesus and the power of his resurrection, and share his sufferings, becoming like him in death (Philippians 3:10). It becomes a time when they release their need of justice to God and are given in return the ability to love and forgive their enemy.

Living under persecution becomes a time when his “rod and staff” are seen as God’s sovereignty and gracious care. As the pressure increases and the suffering becomes more intense, God’s presence and assurance become even greater, and one sees it as an honor to suffer as Jesus did. Even if our physical lives were taken, we know that we will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Father, our daily verse is well known here in the west, but its application is not. From my time serving in Asia and my study of persecution and the terms used in this psalm, it seems clear that the provision of care and protection expressed apply primarily to those living under persecution. Clearly, there are portions that apply to daily Christian living. Father, I pray that when persecution comes to the west that we will be able to apply this psalm to our situation and rest in his presence and care for us.

Discussion Questions with Extended Answers

1. What does “the valley of the shadow of death” represent?

• Answer: The phrase represents seasons of deep trial in the form of grief, illness, danger, spiritual struggle, or literal facing of death. A valley suggests a low place between heights, often narrow and dark, where threats may be hidden. Importantly, it is called a “shadow” of death, not death itself. A shadow cannot harm; it only indicates something greater beyond it. For the believer, even death is a passage, not a destination (cf. John 11:25). The imagery reminds us that while suffering feels overwhelming, it is temporary and under God’s sovereign oversight. The Shepherd never loses sight of His sheep in the valley.

2. Why does David say, “I will fear no evil”?

• Answer: David’s confidence is rooted not in circumstances but in presence: “for You are with me.” Fear is overcome by relationship. The psalm does not deny evil’s existence; it denies evil’s ultimate authority. The Shepherd’s nearness changes the believer’s perspective. When God is present, danger loses its power to control the heart. This reflects a broader biblical truth that courage flows from God’s promise to be with His people (Joshua 1:9; Matthew 28:20). Faith declares that no darkness can overpower divine companionship.

3. What do the rod and the staff teach us about God’s care?

• Answer: The rod was a short, sturdy club used for protection; defending sheep against predators. The staff was longer with a curved end; used to guide, rescue, or gently correct. Together they represent both strength and tenderness. God protects His people from external threats and corrects or redirects them when they wander. His discipline is not harsh punishment but loving care (Hebrews 12:6). Comfort comes not merely from safety but from knowing that the Shepherd actively watches, guards, and guides.

4. Why does the psalm shift from talking about God (“He”) to speaking directly to Him (“You”)?

• Answer: This shift signals intimacy. In peaceful seasons (vv. 1–3), David speaks about the Shepherd. In the valley, he speaks to the Shepherd. Trials often deepen prayer and personal dependence. Suffering strips away abstraction and drives the believer into direct communion with God. The valley becomes a place of deeper fellowship. What could have been a place of isolation becomes a place of encounter.

5. How should this verse shape a believer’s response to suffering?

• Answer: Psalm 23:4 calls believers to walk, not run, in the valley. The Shepherd leads through it, not around it. Suffering is not proof of abandonment but often evidence of divine leading. Instead of being paralyzed by fear, the believer can move forward with steady trust. This verse encourages prayer, dependence, and confidence that God’s presence is sufficient even when explanations are absent. The comfort promised is relational, not circumstantial.