Psalm 23:4
Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me.
Explanation of this artwork
The main message of this psalm is: ‘The Lord is my Shepherd’. But this idea becomes particularly important in the valley of the shadow of death. The Lord is my Shepherd, despite these dark vales. Despite wars, despite loss, despite lockdowns, despite illnesses, despite all unanswered questions. As people, we often go through the dark valleys of life. We suffer loss, we experience sickness. Yet, there always is a light at the horizon. – Jedi Noordegraaf,
Where do you find safety?
The 23rd psalm is well-known by many people. The lyrics are beautiful and offers comfort in times we feel insecure. Faith and trust aren’t easy, especially when times get hard. We are human, previous experiences in life can cause us to feel rejected, to fall short, to feel lonely, to feel fragile or to leave us feel depressed.
This psalm gives us a perspective of hope. It shows us that we have to look beyond life’s horizon. Once you find out what brings you fear and anxiety, perhaps you will also be able to find a peace that happens to be bigger than your fears.
When and where did you feel safe recently?
Psalm 23
A psalm of David.
The Lord is my shepherd,
I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.
The art of Jedi Noordegraaf is for sale in his web shop: www.studiovandaar.nl