Like: A Journey Through Psalm 23Sample

“Dad, what is a shadow?” my youngest child asks his father one early morning. In his 6am groggy voice, my husband eloquently says, “A shadow is something that happens when a solid object gets in the way of the light.”

Questions from children often bring insight into God’s heart.

The shadows of this world are often things that prohibit us from seeing God’s light and truth. There will always be shadows; they are a result of sin and our brokenness. Shadows are inevitable, BUT the objects that cause the shadows are not indestructible because of the cross (John 16:33). Sin results in death. The cross results in life.

Your valley could be Death. Sickness. Hurt. Broken relationships. Fear. Judgment. Loneliness. Many times, the valleys that we walk through are filled with anxiety. Anxiety is defined as feelings of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about something with an uncertain outcome.

Even though our valleys are covered in darkness and may seam uncertain, God is still there. He will lead us if we tune our ear to His voice. We have to commit to Him and persevere. If we choose to persevere, He will reveal the way to His light (Gal. 6:9).

REMEMBER HIS PROMISE. The promise of God to us is that when we walk the long road of uncertainty HE IS WITH US. He is the light shining behind the shadow of death. We might not feel His closeness initially. Perhaps that is why God tells us in this verse that He leads us with his rod and staff… as a good shepherd.

In your valley, He is CLOSE. He is our comfort. We don’t walk in the valley alone. He is there. Seek Him. He wants to hear your heart, your fear, even your complaining. His very good promise is that He will see us through the valleys and mountains in this life and in the life to come.

A couple questions to help you process today:
1. What have been your valleys? How have you seen God’s presence and comfort in them?
2. Who is walking in the valley of the shadow of death right now? How can you encourage them?