Psalm 23:4-6
The psalmist does not say how he got there. It could be through temptation he landed there, or it could be just a part of his life’s journey, or it could even be that the Shepherd led him there.
This is a time of darkness, of fear, of not knowing the outcome. But the Psalmist says, “Even though …” even if external conditions are not the restful picture of vv1-3, he knows that the LORD is still his Shepherd. He knows the Shepherd is the Good Shepherd; the Faithful Shepherd.
For the Psalmist, knowing that the LORD is his shepherd means that he will fear no evil. The valley may be painful, difficult and even death may come. But it will not be to the gain of evil or arising from the will of evil.
Secondly, he knows the comfort of the presence of the Shepherd because even if he does not see him (it is too dark) he can sense the little things the Shepherd does and know the Shepherd is always at hand.
The third thing I learned (which is why I think that there are occasions when the Shepherd leads us through the Valley) is the other side: the victory feast that awaits and the overflowing cup.
He does not make us to lie down in the Valley. The Valley is a transit point, we walk through it. It will pass and in time we will get to the other side. In the meantime, fear no evil, find comfort in his presence, and know that victory and blessing awaits us on the other side.