Things to Remember About the Valleys In Life

In review of Psalm 23:4 it says, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me” (NIV).

Today’s passage is from Psalm 23. It reminds me that even when I walk through the darkest valleys, I have no need to be afraid, for God, my shepherd is close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.

Only one person can walk with me through dark valleys and bring me safely to the other side. Because this life is uncertain, I need to follow this shepherd who offers me eternal comfort.

What I’ve learned is that In Israel, on the road from Jerusalem to Jericho, there’s a canyon called the Valley of the Shadow of Death. In his day, King David probably traveled through it many times. Some of the canyons along the Jericho Road were narrow at the bottom and as tall as 800 feet. The only time you can see sunshine at the bottom is when it is noon and the sun is straight overhead. In the Bible, valleys are often a metaphor for difficult times, times of darkness, despair, defeat, or discouragement.

Psalm 23:4 says, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me” (NIV). The Bible teaches me that God is God not just a part of our mountaintop experiences. He is also with us in the deep valleys. There are three things to keep in mind about the valleys:

First, valleys are a part of life. The Bible says in Deuteronomy 11:11, “The land you will soon take over is a land of hills and valleys” (NLT). Valleys are inevitable. I can’t avoid them. Instead, I can count on them.

Secondly, valleys happen to everybody. They’re impartial. Good things happen to bad people, and bad things happen to good people. I live in a fallen and broken world, so I will have problems. I’m not immune. There is no way to be insulated from pain or to sail through life problem free. “The good man does not escape all troubles—he has them too. But the Lord helps him in each and every one” (Psalm 34:19 TLB).

Lastly valleys are unpredictable. I can’t plan them. I can’t time them. Problems will typically catch me off guard. In fact, my valleys and my problems come usually at the worst time, when I don’t have time, when I’m unprepared, and when it’s inconvenient. Wouldn’t it be easier if I could schedule all my valleys in life, when I’m caught up on my sleep, my health is good, and nobody is bugging me? However, Proverbs 27:1 reminds me, “Don’t brag about tomorrow, since you don’t know what the day will bring forth” (NLT).

When I know better what to expect when it comes to the valleys of life, I’ll know better how to prepare for them. One thing is certain, God will be close by me to get me through them.

Bottom Line:

Even when walking through the darkest valleys, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me, guarding and guiding all the way.

What this means to me:

Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no danger because you are with me standing close by. Your rod and your staff, they protect me. You provide guidance all the way.

In summary, even when I walk through the darkest valleys, I do not need to be afraid, for God is close beside me to guide me through it. Valley's are part of life (I can count on them happening), they happen to everyone, and they are unpredictable. One thing is certain, God will be close by and get me through them.

I thank you Father for the reminder that you will always be with me to guide me through the dark and hard times. Today Father I continue to ask for your wisdom and guidance in handling my work load, leading my team and my interactions with others. This I pray in your Son Jesus name, amen!