| The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 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. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. * For most of my life I 've heard popular interpretations and overtures of the "Dark Valleys" we go though and how this passage symbolizes the "dark" time in our lives. Oh so religious. Oh so soulful. And I never had peace about it. Not that it doesn't make for great emotions; Just no agreement in the Spirit. It was quite peaceful for me to hear that in David's time there is a place that really was called the Valley of the Shadow of Death. This was a ravine that the shepherds had to pass through in leading the flocks from the high to the low pastures. In places there were nooks and crannies that could easily hide thieves and muggers. The Idea was that you would have to be on constant watch for an attack out of nowhere. This is a very different spirit than: sensuous, mournful, heavens are brass, woe is mee, pity pity. Not that that may not have it's place elsewhere, but this just isn't it. Let God be God. This place in the Middle East was, I believe, exactly illustrated in the Star Wars' Movie where Luke SkyWalker is found on his home planet. While looking for his lost droid, Luke discovers the "Sand People." In all the nooks and crannies eyes peer out, looking for an opportunity to relieve wayfarers of their bounty. (End of anolgoy, Luke got KO'd David didn't) We think of David a man after God's own heart... Can you see the blessed anointing and fellowship upon his head? His duty is to move the sheep and off he goes.. All right! "Sand People" or no. "If I were just a shepherd, it would be one thing, but The LORD is my God, He is with me!" Really, if the Sand people know what's best, they'll keep their distance. The LORD is God. David feard God, not evil. Hallelu Jah, Blessed be the name of the Lord. God bless for a good week/end. May the Lord be with you, his force and love is not equaled. With love in Christ, Robert |