In the spring of 1973, David McFadden was a student in Bible College, sitting in his grandparent's family room. He was talking with his grandfather who was on the Bible college staff. The house was on the edge of the campus; and as they looked out across the front lawn and to the administration building, a young man and woman walked across the grass holding hands. His grandfather said, "See that couple, Dave? They are in love, and all their friends are in love with someone. Soon they will be getting married. It won't be long until they start having children, and their friends will be having children, too. Then, before they know it, their friends will begin to die; and in a little while they will all be gone. Before they realize it, they will find themselves alone with all their friends gone."

David said, "In the 22 years since that conversation, I have thought of it often. Grandpa wasn't thinking about that couple at all; he was thinking about himself. His own aging, illness, and death were on his mind. He felt sadness as he thought about his life coming to an end, but he did not have the despair that comes when there is no hope in the face of death."

As believers in Jesus Christ we have hope in the valley of shadows, of sickness, of aging and death, but perhaps a little fear also. As congregations we have faced these valleys with many we have loved and cared about. I thought about trying to come up with the number of times that I have read the 23rd Psalm for a memorial service. A guess would be over 500 times. Those are the occasions when I use it most, but today as we face down any fears we may have of sickness, aging and death We have read it responsively today.

I. Valley of Shadows

Notice the fourth verse. "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me."

What is the valley of the shadow of death? In his book, "A Shepherd Looks at the Twenty-third Psalm", Philip Keller says the valley is one the shepherd led the sheep through on the way to higher grazing land for the summer. The valley is full of shadows; especially as the sun moves past high noon, and the enemies of sheep often hide in the shadows waiting for a feast of lamb chops. When the sheep trust their shepherd, they follow him without fear, even in the valley of shadows. They know that the shepherd will take care of them and watch over them through the valley.

Many of you have heard me comment of well meaning Christians tell people to accept Jesus as their Savior and He will take all their troubles away. I cringe to think about that because that is not what the Bible teaches. In addition my troubles have not disappeared since I became a Christian many years ago. Recall a scripture verse early in this series of messages on fear. "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you WILL have TROUBLE. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

Yes, life is full of many valleys. I think the valley of shadows also refers to the unknown, being in the darkness. That can be literal or figurative. Often we face shadows, not knowing just what is ahead or what the outcome of present circumstances may be

Remember as we consider the valley of shadows, that for the sheep, the valley was not their final destination. They were passing through the valley to get to a really good place they could enjoy, the grazing lands of the plateau. That has an application for us human sheep, too. If you and I want to get to better places, to develop a deeper relationship with God, we need to pass through some valleys. We are going to consider three more valleys this morning.

II. Valley of Sickness

All of us go through some valleys of sickness, some more than others. What is one thing generally on our mind passing through the valleys of sickness? Getting better is usually on my mind, and the sooner the better. A preferable focus in the valleys of sickness could be learning from our experience and trusting God more and more. I trusted God and received fine medical care. I am grateful that I recovered well.

I tend to be a very lousy patient when I am sick. When I was hospitalized in northern Iowa about 25 years ago, I nearly drove the nurses crazy. Within a few hours of coming to the hospital I felt great and wanted to head home. My wise doctor thought I should stay overnight, knowing otherwise I would have kept my early morning appointment the next day 135 miles away in St. Paul. I did keep my appointment for the day following that in Des Moines.

When we go through valleys of sickness, whether minor or serious, we may need to learn to let other people and God help us. That is not always easy for us self-reliant people. Such valleys may help us to focus on what is really important in life.

How do you respond when you pass through a valley of sickness? Your body may recover fully as God has so miraculously created it to do. You could face some surgery or other treatment to aid in the healing process. What if it is a sickness from which you may not be healed? What if you won't be able to do everything you once did? Does that make you less of a person? Of course not. Regardless of our health you and I are valuable to God.

III. Valley of Aging

Another valley of the shadow of death is the valley of aging. Many fear growing old because we identify aging with becoming less productive, less useful, more forgetful, no longer needed, in the way.

Think about the emphasis in our society on keeping young or looking or feeling young. Some view getting old as something to be avoided at all costs and equate it with leading to death. A few have told me through the years that they are not afraid of death, but the unknowns of what may come before death and how they may die. Some don't like to talk about aging. I remember a dear man nearly ninety, who didn't want to go to congregate meals because they were for old people.

Is there something wrong with aging? Most are not very fond of the alternative either. Certain old pieces of furniture are very valuable and called antiques. Through the years I have known a few people who have some classic old cars.

However, all old furniture is not antique. Before we were married I had some that my wife called early attic. Not all old cars are classics either and would be better described as junkers. What makes the difference? Furniture that was well made and cared for through the years may become more valuable as it ages. Many classic cars were well maintained through the years or perhaps had someone spend much time restoring them.

As people who want to become classics, not junkers, it may be helpful to properly care for not just our bodies, but our minds and spirits through the years. Aging saints, men and women who really love God and have spent years growing more and more like Christ are classics that are a great blessing to the Lord and His people.

IV. Valley of Death

Through the valleys of shadows, sickness, and aging we are finally going to talk about the valley of death. The Psalm writer had faced the other valleys, and several times had nearly died. But while he had come close and faced it with faith in the Lord as his Shepherd, death had not yet become a reality for him. Many of us have lost people very close to us, but you and I have not yet experienced it. Jesus, however, has experienced death, and come back to talk to His friends. He did not tell us about the actual process of death, which we may fear more than death itself. He has told us that He has conquered death. (I Cor. 15:54-57) One day death will cease to exist. (Rev. 20:14) Unless our Lord return first, each one of us will die. However, this is not something we need to fear if we have placed our faith in Jesus Christ. For the believer, death becomes the door into the presence of Jesus.

In her book, Carry Me, Christine Wyrtzen, told the story of learning of her mother's impending death from cancer. As she was finally able to say the word cancer, she still struggled with how the image of a loving God fit with her present despair. Unfortunately, this journey for her was often lonely because, even other Christians did not know how to come alongside her and help. Some seek to avoid the topic that they are not much help. She mentioned someone in her church who yelled across the parking lot, "How's your mother?" when he knew she was dying of cancer. He meant well, but hollering across a parking lot was not much comfort.

Conclusion

This 23rd Psalm and this subject are more common for many of us than we would like. To have a little fear of the valleys of shadows, sickness, aging and death is not sinful. I believe it can become sinful when we allow the fear to controls us instead of Christ. Walk hand in hand with your loving shepherd through all the valleys of your life to your final destination. We pass through the valleys to get to a really good place we will one day enjoy, the grazing lands of life until we dwell in the very presence of the great Shepherd through eternity.

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