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Valley Vocabulary

Have you ever been in a valley? Or faced a giant that is too big and brings fear into your life?

Let me give you some Valley Vocabulary from our favorite psalm. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you, my God, are with me.

Who wrote this? It was David. David certainly went through some valleys, right? I remember one, particularly, that had quite a lot of adversity.

There was an evil, strong enemy that everyone else was fearful of named Goliath. He was a 9-foot-tall Philistine and a master fighter, and he issued a throw-down UFC-style fight to any Israelite that had some severe consequences attached to it. "I win; you worship our gods and serve us. You win; we worship your God and serve you."

Do you remember that Promised Land God gave to the Israelites? Moses would pass the leadership baton to Joshua, and Joshua would lead them into their long-awaited land. But, just because they settled there didn't mean they wouldn't have to face any more enemies or battles. It's a lie to think that once we follow faithfully after God, we will ever be done fighting.

Goliath, this champion fighter, caused fear and panic in all of God's people until a shepherd boy, David, came to deliver Uber Eats to his brothers on the battlefield. David heard his smack talk and issued some smack talk of his own, "Who is this uncircumcised man who defies my God?" And what happened? David went to battle in a valley.

On one side of the valley were all the Philistines. On the other side were the Israelites. But, then, in the middle of the valley was a 9-foot tall man that likely cast an even larger shadow.

We don't know that this psalm was written during or even in response to the battle of David and Goliath, but it is certainly possible. I picture David, whether he had the words penned in his head at that time or whether he is recounting this story later, just talking and preaching to his soul.

"Okay, here we go! The Lord is my shepherd. I have everything I need."

He goes to the stream, picks up a few stones, and maybe lies down to pray to God at that moment. Then he picks up five stones. He resumes his preaching motivating himself: "Okay, even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil. For you, my God, are with me. You anoint me in the presence of my enemies. I've got this. You are here with me."

I want you to know that when you are in a valley facing a giant, or when fear wants to take you down, you've got some valley vocabulary that you can preach to your soul. God is with you no matter what you face, where you go, or where you're led. You don't have to fear.

God was with David. David sleighed the giant, made it out of the valley, and would soon become the next king of Israel, leading them to one of the most prosperous times in their history.