“For you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me… Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” – Psalm 23:4,6

The 23rd Psalm is known and loved by many. We learn it early in life, and it is dear to people in every walk of life. It is in continual use in the home, funeral chapel, and sanctuary. In the time of joy, it brings gladness, and in the hours of darkness, comfort.

These verses suggest that our heavenly Father surrounds us. He is before us, with us, and behind us. Fear comes from the unknown. We realize that no attack from the front or rear can reach us because our heavenly Father is there. We can apply this concept to several areas of life:

  • Geography - He is wherever we are.
  • Time - Morning, noon, and night, he is there. If applied to the calendar, the same is true.
  • Psychology (or emotions) – He is there in joy, sadness, love, and hate.
  • Experiences - He is involved in our vocations, our homes, and our spiritual experiences.

The words “you are with me” are often applied to death. To some, the approach of death is the valley of sunshine, not shadow. To some, it is momentary passage. “The valley of the shadow of death” may stand for any crisis or danger. The point is that no circumstances come about where the Lord is not present.

The words “I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever” teach the eternal presence of God. This verse showsthe truth of an eternal habitation in the presence of God. This verse describes the climax and reward of the earthly life with all its struggles.

Several truths emerge for each person who reflects on these verses:

  • The Lord’s presence makes him knowledgeable. He sees and hears.
  • The Lord’s presence indicates that he is available to fight our battles.
  • The Lord’s presence indicates his love for us.
  • The Lord’s presence is a challenge to live courageously.