David does not say if he walks through the darkest valley, but when. Valleys are part of life. They come in many forms: illness, grief, fear, betrayal, loss. The valley is where shadows fall and clarity fades. Yet even here, David speaks of walking through, not being abandoned in. The valley is a passage, not a prison.

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This verse reminds us that following the Shepherd does not mean avoiding hardship. It means we are never alone in hardship. Valleys may come, but they are not the final destination. They are paths the Shepherd knows and has already walked Himself.

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In Christ, we see this most fully. He entered the valley of death itself and emerged victorious. Because He has gone before us, we can walk through our valleys with hope. The Shepherd never promises an easy journey, but He promises His presence in every shadow.