Momentum Church
Surviving The Valley
Surviving the Valley, Part 2
Locations & Times
659 Arnold Mill Rd, Woodstock, GA 30188, USA
Saturday 9:15 AM
Saturday 11:00 AM
Physical Pain vs Mental Pain
“Mental pain is less dramatic than physical pain, but it is more common and also more hard to bear. The frequent attempt to conceal mental pain increases the burden: it is easier to say “my tooth is aching’ than to say “my heart is broken.” - C.S. Lewis
“Mental pain is less dramatic than physical pain, but it is more common and also more hard to bear. The frequent attempt to conceal mental pain increases the burden: it is easier to say “my tooth is aching’ than to say “my heart is broken.” - C.S. Lewis
The pace at which you move through the valley matters?
Do not stand in or run through the valley. Learn to slow down and walk through the valley while leaning into God who will be right beside you.
Do not stand in or run through the valley. Learn to slow down and walk through the valley while leaning into God who will be right beside you.
The Valley Is Real, but It’s Not Final
The Valley is Real
-Faith is not denying the pain you are feeling. Faith faces it!
-David doesn’t say if but when. “Even though I walk through the valley…”
The Valley Is Real, but It’s Not Final
“Even though I walk through the valley…”
Note the word through—the valley is not permanent.
The Valley is Real
-Faith is not denying the pain you are feeling. Faith faces it!
-David doesn’t say if but when. “Even though I walk through the valley…”
The Valley Is Real, but It’s Not Final
“Even though I walk through the valley…”
Note the word through—the valley is not permanent.
2. Fear Loses Its Grip When God Is Near
Fear is the fuel behind many mental health battles.
-Anxiety imagines the worst.
-PTSD replays the worst.
-Depression tells you it’s hopeless and things will never be better than the worst.
Some people struggle because they have a disposition towards the negative.
Disposition: a person's inherent qualities of mind and character.
: the way in which something is placed or arranged, especially in relation to other things.
The Israelites were ruled over in Egypt for 400 years this placed in them a disposition for lack and suffering.
Fear is the fuel behind many mental health battles.
-Anxiety imagines the worst.
-PTSD replays the worst.
-Depression tells you it’s hopeless and things will never be better than the worst.
Some people struggle because they have a disposition towards the negative.
Disposition: a person's inherent qualities of mind and character.
: the way in which something is placed or arranged, especially in relation to other things.
The Israelites were ruled over in Egypt for 400 years this placed in them a disposition for lack and suffering.
Every one a Leader: It doesn’t make you weak when you have fears it makes you human.
Fear, Anxiety PTSD: They couldn’t see past their disposition.
Prov. 23:7 “For as a man thinks in his heart, so is he”
Prov. 23:7 “For as a man thinks in his heart, so is he”
Sometimes we need help with our thinking.
Joshua & Caleb modeled to us how to think differently.
Joshua & Caleb modeled to us how to think differently.
Joshua & Caleb were telling them to get their focus off of the valley onto to their God who is with them in the Valley.
Remember Fear Loses Its Grip When God Is Near
David shifts focus: His focus is not on the valley, but on the Presence of God while going through the valley.
“I will fear no evil, for you are with me”
-Fear doesn’t vanish because the valley changes—it vanishes because God is walking with us.
Remember Fear Loses Its Grip When God Is Near
David shifts focus: His focus is not on the valley, but on the Presence of God while going through the valley.
“I will fear no evil, for you are with me”
-Fear doesn’t vanish because the valley changes—it vanishes because God is walking with us.
3. God’s Uses Means that Bring Comfort in the Shadows
Psalm 23:4 (ESV)
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.
“Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”
The rod = protection.
The staff = guidance.
Both picture God’s active care.
In mental health struggles, we need both:
Protection – God fights the lies of the enemy with His truth.
Guidance – God gently directs us, step by step, when we feel lost.
Rod = Medicine
The Staff = Guidance
Refuge & Recovery: Thursday at 7pm @ Momentum Church Woodstock
Grief Group: Wednesdays at 6:30pm at Momentum Church Woodstock
God uses His Word, prayer, community, and wise counselors/therapy as part of His “rod and staff” to help us walk through valleys.
Psalm 23:4 (ESV)
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.
“Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”
The rod = protection.
The staff = guidance.
Both picture God’s active care.
In mental health struggles, we need both:
Protection – God fights the lies of the enemy with His truth.
Guidance – God gently directs us, step by step, when we feel lost.
Rod = Medicine
The Staff = Guidance
Refuge & Recovery: Thursday at 7pm @ Momentum Church Woodstock
Grief Group: Wednesdays at 6:30pm at Momentum Church Woodstock
God uses His Word, prayer, community, and wise counselors/therapy as part of His “rod and staff” to help us walk through valleys.
Text "Resources" to 770-766-9777 for a list of resources.