By: Joanne Viola
“Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me.”
(Psalm 23:4, NLT)
A shepherd often has to lead his flock from one grazing place to another and the safest way to do that is to pass through the valley. It is there in the valley that the best grazing and water will be found on their travels.
Though the travel can be difficult, challenging, even dangerous, the sheep are not afraid for they are keenly aware of the presence of their shepherd with them.
And so it is with us.
In every situation, in the deepest disappointments, setbacks, or betrayals, we can keep walking through our valley with the assurance of our Shepherd’s presence.
May we remember we are walking through; we are not stopping there for a spell nor are we going to reside there. We are going to walk through.
As we go through, may we hold onto the promise we are being led to higher ground and all will turn out well and for our good (see Romans 8:28).
As we learn to walk through the valleys with the presence of our God beside us, we often find we become better able to encourage and strengthen those going through the same, or similar, circumstances.
“All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4, NLT)
We come through the valleys because of the blessed assurance we have in and through Christ.
“Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, NLT)
When the valleys of life come – not if but when they come, for they will surely come – how will we respond to them?
May we remember that God is not before us but beside us as we go through any difficulties which may arise in life.
He will lead the way through,
calming our fears,
as He stays close to us.
Photo by Daniel Burka on Unsplash
It's so comforting to know He is with us in the deep, dark places.
ReplyDeleteJoanne, I love this! All year I've been drawn back to Psalm 23 and finding new insights. Today, you added one - walking THROUGH. I never looked at it in that way before! Thank you!
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