The Valley

Psalms 23:1a, 4-5 ESV

“The Lord is my Shepherd… Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death (or deepest darkness), I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

No one wants to walk in trouble and fears. Most of the time we try to pray the valleys away. I have heard people rebuke the valleys and challenging times. I have seen people refuse to acknowledge that they were in the valley and challenging times. I have heard people say that if you are going through a valley, you brought it on yourself. I am here to tell you today, bologna to all three!

Hard times are tough, but according to James, they can bring us into wholeness and lacking nothing.  “Because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:3-4)

God does not always take away the rough times and the valleys like we would like Him to. When He chooses NOT to remove them, it means we have much to learn. When we go through tough times, God says He is going to be right there with us, walking us through those tough times and valleys.

Prayer:

God have mercy on all who were devastated by the storm. I know God that You can bring everyone through that suffered some kind of loss. Strengthen us for the times of darkness. Give us Your light to guide us in Your way. May Your word be a lamp for our feet and a light for our pathway. In Your name Father God we pray, Amen!