Psalm 23:4 is one of those verses that feels like it was written on the front porch of life: “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.”

David didn’t say “if” I walk through the valley—he said when. Valleys are a part of the journey. Shadows stretch long and dark, but here’s the good news: a shadow can’t exist without light. Even in your darkest moment, the presence of the Shepherd means the light of His glory is still shining somewhere close by.

The rod and the staff—those weren’t decorations. They were tools of protection and guidance. The rod drove away the enemy, and the staff pulled the sheep back when they drifted too close to danger. That’s God’s way of saying, “I’m not just with you in the valley, I’m actively working to protect you and guide you through.”

So take heart today. You may be walking through a shadow, but you’re not camping out there. The Shepherd is leading you on. Fear has no authority, evil has no victory, and you are never, ever alone.