4. Lord, even when your path takes me through

the valley of deepest darkness,

fear will never conquer me, for you already have!

You remain close to me and lead me through it all the way.

Your authority is my strength and my peace.

The comfort of your love takes away my fear.

I’ll never be lonely, for you are near.

David learned the ways of the Lord spending many nights in his youth watching over his father’s sheep. He describes how he overcame the fears that he faced as a child by trusting in the Lord. In his early days he dealt with the lions and bears, in the days ahead he would face a giant, Philistine armies, and a king who had lost his way. David had learned from his walk with the Lord that nothing could separate him from the love of God and therefore nothing could defeat him.

In verse 5 David described the very source of his strength, he had learned to feast on God. Feasting on God’s words and drinking of His Spirit is the very source of life for our lives. Take a moment and feast with David on the Shepherd’s love.

5. You become my delicious feast

even when my enemies dare to fight.

You anoint me with the fragrance of your Holy Spirit;

you give me all I can drink of you until my heart overflows.

I want to pause here for a moment and reflect on what David was saying, David had discovered that it wasn’t his own talent, intellect, or strategic planning that gave him the advantage. David knew that the battle was the Lord’s and his strength flowed from his ability to receive from the Lord. This is how David was able to survive impossible odds throughout his life and his reign as king.

Finally, David describes where everything is headed. Our lives are temporary and our final destination is imminent. Our whole life is simply a preparation for the next life, enjoying God’s presence for eternity.

6. So why would I fear the future?

For your goodness and love pursue me all the days of my life.

Then afterward, when my life is through,

I’ll return to your glorious presence to be forever with you!

David had been chased by wild animals, a giant, and a backslidden king, now he was being chased by God. Our final conclusion, goodness and mercy are chasing us down, maybe you should be still for a moment and let His goodness and love overtake you.