Photo ©2016 and Commentary ©2025 by Chuck Davis
Monday, August 25, 2025
The Cle Elum River gains its head on the slopes of the mountain in this photograph. It roars across the Pacific Crest Trail and then slows to calmly meanders into Hyas Lake.
I have not been to the mountains of Judea and so I lack the context that David had as he wrote Psalm 23. Based on the images that I have seen of the Judean wilderness, David was seeing by faith. Today, the Judean wilderness is a barren desert, devoid of everything that a sheep needs to survive. And yet David paints a picture of green pastures and still waters, the very things that appear in the photo for this week’s parable.
By faith, David knew that when God leads, the path will lack nothing that is needed for eternal survival. Take yourself out of this pastoral scene, to a path of absolute danger. If you recognize His voice, there is no cause for alarm.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. (Psalm 23:1-6 KJV).