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. —Psalm 23:4 NIV

Icy fog surrounded me as I slumped over my skis in the deep snow. I was alone, disoriented, and scared because I had ventured off the trail where no one patrolled. “I’m going to die here,” I thought. Pure desperation drove me to scooch down the mountain toward where I believed the lodge might be. Thankfully, I eventually found a groomed trail and made my way to the lodge despite the whiteout.

Even though I wasn’t a Christian then, I felt that God, an angel, or something beyond myself helped me to safety that day. On the other hand, David, who wrote the Psalm above, was sure that God was leading, providing for, and protecting him throughout his life. In Psalm 23, while hiding in a cave, David realized that God was guiding him like a good shepherd, even when he was “at the table of his enemies.” He had already been anointed with oil and knew he would be king, so he wasn’t discouraged by fear or his desperate situation.

Instead, David “scooched” closer to God, and in doing so, all the praise and wonder that was worthy of His God tumbled out. Even though David was like a helpless lamb being pursued by a wolf, with no way of escape, he knew God would rescue him.

Still, Psalm 23 is hard for me because it’s so familiar that I sometimes miss its depth, as David declares his trust in God “even though.” Also, living comfortably in America makes it hard to truly imagine what David endured. He was hunted and had nowhere to turn, so he learned to depend on God alone. David not only experienced God’s presence but also remembered God’s promises and acted on them, in essence, rising from the grave to new life.

In truth, we all face this kind of desperation before we come to Christ—stuck, lost, and without hope until God steps in, and we remember. Now, when I reflect on that day on the mountain, I see it was nothing compared to what David faced throughout his life. Still, just as David remembered his anointing, God gave me this mountain memory as a kind of “Ebenezer stone,” a reminder of God’s help (see 1 Samuel 7:12). Seeing how He cared for me before I was a Christian gives me hope now. He is the same God today as He was on the mountain, and as He was thousands of years ago. So even if you feel like you’re facing the end, don’t be afraid—God is with you, always has been, and always will be.

Father, thank you for guiding and rescuing me time after time. Help me remember to praise you as I move through life. You are always with me.

Surely goodness and lovingkindness
will follow me all the days of my life, and
I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
—Psalm 23:6 NASB1995

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and
peace in believing, that you may abound in hope
by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13 NJKV)
Marlene McKenna

Sweet Selah Ministries

Vision
To inspire a movement away from the belief that “busy is better”
and toward the truth of God’s Word that stillness and knowing
Him matter most—and will be reflected in more effective work and service

Mission
To offer biblical resources and retreats that help women pause (Selah)
and love God more deeply as they know Him more intimately (Sweet)

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