Daily Devotional: Feel Good Friday Thoughts with Total Apex Media | September 12, 2025

It’s time for Friday’s daily devotion. The week has flown by speedily. We started a series, and it’s time to continue with Psalm 23. We’re in verse 4 today:

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.

In praising the works of the Good Shepherd, David confidently boasts in the safety that the Lord provides.  He’s not worried or concerned that anything conjured up by wickedness will affect his protection by the Shepherd. He knows that the Shepherd is all-powerful and mighty to save. He knows that under the shadow of the Almighty, his protection is secure.

In today’s daily devotion, know that your protection by the Good Shepherd is sure.

Walking Through It

David says something at the beginning of verse 4 that’s easy to miss. He begins with a “yes,” an affirmative word revealing he’s unmoved by his circumstances. His yes indicates agreement. He agrees that the Lord is his protector, so he doesn’t skip a beat. He walks through whatever dangers are around him, fully expecting to get to the other side. There’s no need to fear when the Lord is near.

He’s not just walking, but he’s walking “through” the troubles he faces. Don’t bury your head in the sand. There’s no need to run and hide. Keep walking through life’s challenges. “Walking” here means trusting God. Stand up physically, but also stand up spiritually. This is becoming strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.

Thank God for this daily devotion time. You can walk through any circumstance knowing that your Shepherd is walking with you.

Valley of the Shadow of Death

Many of us have heard this valley mentioned during funerals. It’s associated with death and dying. However, your Shepherd isn’t leading you into death. Remember, He’s protecting you from harm and evil. So the valley of the shadow of death is not a place to die; it’s a place where God shows His greatest power.

In Hebrew, this actually means “darkest place”; the addition of “death” was made by translators. So, this passage has nothing to do with death. Your Shepherd leads you to life —abundant life. You may feel as though you’re in the darkest place of your life, but your Shepherd will guide you out of it. There’s no need to give up or throw in the towel.

It’s not over. Stay in the fight. Darkness is light to our Shepherd. Trust Him to bring you out. During this daily devotion, praise the Lord for His power to bring you out of the darkest night.

Fear No Evil

Fear is not of God. Fear is walking by sight. But we walk by faith and not by sight. When Peter walked on the water along with Jesus, he was doing fine until he saw the waves. Because the waves were raging and boisterous, he panicked and began to sink. He became fearful. He let go of faith. Don’t let go of your faith. Hold on to it. Determine to hold on to your faith in today’s daily devotion.

There is no evil that is stronger than the Shepherd. The Shepherd isn’t afraid of darkness, so why should you be? Keep your eyes on the Shepherd, knowing He will lead you to safety.

He’s With You

There’s nothing more comforting than knowing the Shepherd is with you. He promised not to leave or forsake you. All you need is His word, and you can move forward confidently. No darkness is more formidable than your Shepherd. The darkest of nights don’t intimidate Him. When evil tidings knock on your door, don’t budge. Stay in peace in today’s daily devotion because the Shepherd is with you.

His Rod and Staff

Shepherds tending their flocks use rods and staffs for the safety and protection of their sheep. In like manner, our Shepherd uses both for our benefit. The rod represents the Lord’s protection. He’s your protector. Never fear harm under the watchful care of your Shepherd. Also, the rod symbolizes His strength. The Lord is strong and mighty.

While keeping his father’s flocks, David had to fight a lion and a bear on separate occasions. The wild beasts had grabbed a sheep from his flock, and David used his rod to attack them and pull the sheep to safety. David, as a type of Christ, demonstrated the Lord’s strength in protecting us.

The staff symbolizes the Lord’s love, gentleness, and guidance. He gently leads. The Lord doesn’t drive His flocks. He leads with tenderness and kindness. Realize you can relax in His love and care in today’s daily devotion.

He Comforts Us

The Lord is the God of all comfort, so He comforts us in all that we go through. He is there to pull us out, pick us up, and set us on a solid footing. Having lost someone dear to me recently, I’m praying that the family basks in the Lord’s great comfort. Bask in His comfort today because it’s available to you at all times. In today’s daily devotion, rejoice for the Lord knows how to comfort His people.

Final Word

Praise God for the Good Shepherd who is with us at all times. When we go through life’s darkest valleys, we know that He is right there to bring us out. So walk through them confidently, fearing no evil. His strength and protection are with you. Also, He embraces you with His comfort. Before continuing your day, reflect on the awesomeness of your Good Shepherd.