God is Still the Same

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, 
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 runs over.”
Psalm 23:4–5 

Before David shares these words, he boldly declares that the Lord is his Shepherd and that he lacks nothing. God makes him lie down in green pastures, He leads him beside still waters, He restores his soul, and He guides him in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.

This is a tender picture of God’s goodness—His provision, His peace, His visible and tangible blessings. David praises God for how sweet it is to walk with Him. He rejoices in the beauty of the journey when life feels full, calm, and overflowing with grace.

But then, in verses 4–5, David shifts. He acknowledges that life with God is not always green pastures and still waters. There are valleys too. And if you have ever walked through a valley—physically or spiritually—you know it is not a pleasant experience.

Valleys are low places. Damp. Cold. Shadowy. Slippery with moss. Filled with lurking dangers. You strain to see the light, but it comes in only thin, scattered rays. In nature, the valley is a place you long to leave so you can feel the warm sunlight again and stand on solid, sunlit ground.

And isn’t that a perfect description of the emotional or spiritual valleys we face? Those seasons that feel dark, heavy, lonely, and discouraging. The moments where you desperately want relief. Where the path feels slippery with temptation. Where the “wild animals” of the enemy prowl, waiting for a weak moment to attack.

BUT—there is hope.

David doesn’t hide the fact that things are not rosy. Yet he speaks with even greater confidence when he declares:
“You are with me.”

This is the difference between the believer and the unbeliever.
We have a Sure Hope.
A Heavenly Guide.
A Faithful Shepherd.
We are never alone.

Yes, there will be valleys that feel like death—but we can choose not to fear. Not because we hold the power, but because Jesus does.

God’s rod and staff—His Word—are our true comfort. Feelings of despair cannot lead us into peace. Emotions cannot anchor us. They shift, they deceive, they fade. But the Word of God is steadfast, unchanging, true, and eternal. Meditating on it, reciting it, believing it, and living it out is how God strengthens your heart in the valley.

So when poverty presses in, declare: Matthew 6:33.
When sickness or death surrounds you, cling to: Psalm 41:3.
When marital tension arises, remember: Ephesians 4:2-3.
When study pressures overwhelm, read: James 1:5.
When your workplace is a toxic valley, recall: Psalm 37:7.

Whatever you are facing right now, let the gentle Shepherd lead you.
Let Him comfort you.
Let Him provide for you.
Let Him fill you with His peace.
Let Him pour heavenly oil over your weary soul until your cup overflows—even in a dry season.

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing,
in everything give thanks;
for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16–18

Rejoice—despite the pain.
Rejoice—amid the valley.
Rejoice—through the tears.
Rejoice! Again I say: Rejoice!

Why?

Because our God is still the same.