“Even were I to walk in a ravine as dark as death I should fear no danger, for you are at my side. Your staff and your crook are there to soothe me” (Ps 23:4).
Who has not traversed dark glens in life? Who does not perceive the abundant dangers that surround us? Many times they are even present within us and try to devour us. But life in this world also testifies to the darkness of estrangement from God.
However, God leads us through time and it is up to us whether we walk hand in hand with our eyes fixed on Him, or whether we allow ourselves to be swallowed up and confused by the dark ravines. If we raise our eyes to Him, we will see that in all our paths He is present and guides us. Then misfortunes and fears will no longer be able to paralyze us, but God’s presence will give us peace of mind.
“I should fear no danger, for you are at my side.”
With these words, the psalmist expresses the wonderful supernatural reality in which we live and must live. For our Father it is most natural to stand by us and guide us throughout our earthly life.
“For you are at my side.”
Then we no longer seek our security in the passing things of life or in other people. Rather, we find it in the love of our Father, who enables us to set out on our journey. What can happen to us if God is with us? “If God is with us, who can be against us” (Rom 8:31)?
“For you are at my side.”
Our Father always was and always will be with me.
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you came to birth I consecrated you” (Jer 1:5).
“For you are at my side.”
And this will suffice for us, if this blissful certainty settles in the depths of our being and we live in it. The promises of our Father remain ever valid!