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4. 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.5. Thou preparest a table for me in the presence of mine enemies:Psalm 23:4-5. The psalmist knows the Lord in a personal relationship. He claims the Lord as his shepherd. The one who provides and protects. He declares his soul has been restored to its original purity. His shepherd guides him in the right way. Righteousness means right standing with God. The unfailing protection of the shepherd, the psalmist, like us, is under a ticking clock, and the shepherd knows the day and hour. The psalmist is traveling through the valley surrounded by the shadow of death. Because Christ our Shepherd took the debt of sin which is death on His own body, there remains no fear. The shadow of a dog cannot bite. Nor the shadow of a sword can kill. And Christ for our sake has turned death into a harmless shadow. One day we must experience it. But the followers of Christ will not be harmed. The presence of Christ the Shepherd banishes all fear of evil, it is not eliminated, but it cannot harm Christ's own. The psalmist explains being surrounded by the enemy, but under the protection of Christ the Shepherd, he can sit down and eat a peaceful meal. So are all the promises of Christ. Every one an abundant blessing to His flock. Amen.