Praise You Still: Finding Faith in the ValleySample

Day 1: Faith in the Valley

I am convinced that worship through lament is some of the most powerful and sacrificial worship we can offer. When everything around us seems to be out of our control, finding our voice in worship is a powerful act of dependence and faith. There are moments in life when the valley feels deep and the shadows grow long. Fear tries to grip our hearts, whispering doubts about God’s Presence. But Scripture reminds us that even in our darkest moments, we are not alone.

“Even though I walk through the valley, I know You are with me.”

Psalm 23:4 declares:
"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."

David did not say he would avoid the valley—he said he would walk through it. Valleys are unavoidable in life, but fear is optional when we trust in the Presence of our Shepherd. His rod (His Protection) and His staff (His Guidance) are enough to lead us through even the darkest valley. Rather than asking God to immediately remove us from our circumstances, can we be bold enough to consider what God may be inviting us into? Perhaps there are lessons to be learned that will strengthen our faith as we endure by clinging to the Presence of our Savior.

“Even though the shadows surround me, I’m still believing.”

Shadows may loom, the waves of uncertainty may rise, and trials may test our faith. But even when we don’t see the full picture, we can still believe in the unchanging Character of God.

Isaiah 43:2 gives us this promise:
"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire, you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you."

God doesn’t promise we won’t face deep waters or fiery trials—He promises He will be with us through them. His Presence is our anchor when everything else feels unstable. Though the waters of uncertainty may be rising around us, God promises we will not be overwhelmed or consumed when we anchor our lives in the Promises and Character of God. When we feel surrounded, there is a powerful invitation to invite God into our situation. Teresa of Avila famously said, “Learn to sit amongst the weeds with God as Gardener, not the self.”. There is a temptation for us to want a quick escape from whatever circumstance we find ourselves in. While God can certainly intervene at any moment, more often it seems our circumstances provide an opportunity to lean on God as our Gardener, our Anchor, and our Defender.

“Remind my soul of Your goodness, Lord. You’ve been faithful through and through.”

In seasons of struggle, we need to remind our souls of God’s Goodness. Sometimes, faith is as simple as remembering—looking back on what God has already done, knowing that His Faithfulness has not and will not change.

Psalm 103:2-5:
“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagles.”

James 1:17:
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”

God has been Faithful before, and He will be Faithful again. His Goodness doesn’t fade with circumstances, and His Love never fails. Even in the valley, even in the shadows, even in uncertainty—He is Good, He is near, and He is Leading us through.

As you listen to “Praise You Still” by Sound Chapel, reflect on these questions:

• What valleys are you walking through right now?
• What may God be teaching you through this circumstance?
• How has God shown His Faithfulness to you in the past?
• What is one Truth from Scripture you can hold onto in seasons of fear and uncertainty?

Prayer:
Father, when I walk through valleys, remind me that I am never alone. When the shadows surround me, help me to trust in Your Presence. You have been Faithful through and through—help me to remember that today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.