The Shepherd and His Names: Finding God in Psalm 23Sýnishorn

Jehovah-Rohi, Jehovah-Jireh, Jehovah-Shalom, Jehovah-Rophe - “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death” (Psalm 23:4).

God’s Presence in the Valley

Life can be full of ups and downs, and sometimes, we find ourselves walking through some pretty tough valleys. Psalm 23:4 reminds us, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me.” What a powerful promise! No matter how dark or uncertain things get, we don’t have to be afraid—our Shepherd is right there with us.

The “valley” in this verse represents those hard seasons in life—times of grief, challenges, fear, or doubt. But here’s something important: the verse says we ‘walk through’ the valley. We’re not meant to stay stuck in fear or despair. These valleys are part of the journey, leading us somewhere better, shaping us, and deepening our faith.

The phrase “shadow of death” might sound scary, but think about this—shadows only exist when there’s a light source. And for us, that light is Jesus, the ‘Light of the World’ (John 8:12). Even in our darkest moments, His presence is constant, guiding us forward.

It’s completely natural to feel anxious when we don’t know what’s coming next. But God gives us the tools to replace fear with faith. Philippians 4 tells us to trade our worries for prayer, thanksgiving, and focusing on what is true and good. When we do this, God’s peace protects our hearts and minds, helping us move forward with courage.

If you think about it, stars shine the brightest in the darkest skies. It’s the same with God’s presence—it becomes even more real when we’re walking through difficult times. These valleys aren’t punishments; they’re opportunities for deeper trust and closeness with God. And as Romans 8:28 promises, He works all things together for our good.

As our Shepherd (Jehovah-Rohi), God lovingly leads and protects us. As our Provider (Jehovah-Jireh), He meets our needs, even in tough seasons. As our Peace (Jehovah-Shalom), He calms our anxious hearts. And as our Healer (Jehovah-Rophe), He restores and strengthens us.

So, if you’re walking through a valley right now, remember—you’re not alone. Keep moving forward, keep trusting, and know that your Shepherd is leading you to something beautiful on the other side.