Psalm 23 offers us “Rest and restoration when your world is Rocked”
23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Verse four is a story about walking through the dark places of life, yet finding faith in the one who walks with you.
God loves to develop a story where the obstacles are great and the time is short because the greater the trial, the greater the suspense - the greater the victory. The greater the victory, the greater the glory He receives!
Three thoughts about this story of yours
1) The valley is part of your story
"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death"
- Valleys are Inevitable
Ps 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, And He delights in his way.
Mat 4:1 “Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.
God will often lead us where we do not want to go, to get us to where He wants us to be
- Valleys are Impartial
Matt 5:44 For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.
Your low is not God’s punishment just as your high is not God’s reward for your behavior
- Valleys produce FRUIT
Mountain tops are beautiful, but valleys are fruitful
- Valleys produce FAITH
1 Peter 1:7 These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.
2) The Author of your story is with you in the valley
I will fear no evil, for you are with me;
He didn't just WRITE it, He WALKS it
Deu 31:8 It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.
Would you rather have leader in the valley or a light? This author wrote in a shepherd who is both a leader and a light!
- My Shepherd is a fearless LEADER
Pro 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.He will direct your path
- My Shepherd is a faithful LIGHT
Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
Phil 4:6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
3) Even in my greatest conflict, I can find greater comfort
your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
The Rod = The Protection of the Lord
The Staff = The Direction of the Lord
Heb 12:6 “For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.”
I never have to question his motivation… it is always love
4 Keys For Getting Through the Valley
1) Remember, the valley is inevitable and necessary but it is not permanent. You will emerge!
2) Trust the One who not only brought you in. He will also bring you out!
3) Look for the fruit in the valley. It's all around!
4) Expect to emerge Faith-FILLED. Stronger on the other side!