What happens in the Valley of the Shadow of Death? Psalm 21-23

Psalms 23:4 (NASV)

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I fear no evil, for You are with me;

Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

In the midst of life we often find ourselves in the "shadow of death."   Most times it is because of our own choices we make and the paths we decide to follow.   We follow the crowd and the enticements of the world and low and behold it brings us to this valley.  However, regardless of the reason we are in the location nothing changes God's love and care for us.  Even though we see evil we have no reason to fear.   God's is present in the midst of our darkest hour.  He surrounds with His presence and His holy angels to protect us.  Without that protection we would be consumed by the evil of this world.   The protection might come, however, in the form of a loving staff or a correction rod.  The sheep knew both from the Shepherd.   The shepherd's staff could be used as a confront rod, used to correct and or a gentle staff, used to guide and nudge.    God doesn't use either without a loving hand.  We can welcome both in our lives because both are their to show us His presence and be assured of His protection.  Even the rod of God beats the most tempting delights of evil.   We might be walking in the shadow of death ... sin's final and fiercest weapon ... but we can rest assured we will sense God's comfort through a correcting hand or guiding nudge.