It was around day 5 of our 10 day tour of the Holy Land, when we twisted up narrow, winding roads somewhere between Jericho and Jerusalem. Our destination: the Valley of the Shadow of Death. Yes, there is an actual place with that name in the land of Israel, and many years ago, people built a monastery on the side of this steep, dry valley. We got out of our tour bus and began walking up the dusty path where the view of this valley would be to our left, when suddenly, I looked to my right, and almost started jumping up and down! Far away in the distance, in this arid climate, was a flock of sheep grazing on the hillside. Apparently, we were visiting during the rainy season, and green was sprouting up in unusual places. I immediately thought of Psalm 23, and began snapping photos with my zoom lens of these sheep that were so close to the Valley of the Shadow of Death…yet perfectly safe and provided for. During this season of uncertainty, may we all draw strength from this truth…and please enjoy the image below as a Desktop Screensaver! You can find a downloadable version here: https://julieterryphotography.client-gallery.com/gallery/2020-the-lord-is-my-shepherd-screensaver
Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
3 He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake.
4 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.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.
