Even 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. NIV
My understanding is that David likely wrote this Psalm. As a shepherd himself, he wrote from a unique perspective. He knew what it meant to be a shepherd, and he also knew the delight of being a sheep under the care of his Holy Father. David knew, that just as he was constantly on watch for predators that might pose a threat to his flock, especially as he was herding them through deep valleys or narrow passes, God would be on watch over David as he made his way through life.
Further, just as David had used his rod to kill wolves, or snakes, or whatever else might have attacked his sheep, he knew that God was prepared to defend him. And, just as David had used his staff to keep his sheep going in the right direction, he knew that God would keep him on the right path, if he was willing to follow.
So many times this last year, I’ve heard it said that nothing can touch me that does not first pass through the hand of God which holds me. Hear what I’m saying … bad things happen. We are going to have trouble in this world (John 16:33), but, we don’t have to fear the evil. God has overcome it, and he is prepared for it. I don’t have to worry about what might befall me, I need only to trust in my shepherd.
365 Days of Peace 