Psalm 23:4 (NLT) “Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.”
In Israel there’s an ancient trail up to Jerusalem which climbs above the deep precipice the Jews call “The valley of the shadow of death.” David had this scene in mind when he wrote Psalm 23. When walking this narrow trail, weary pilgrims going to Jerusalem could easily slip and fall into the deep canyon below, or robbers might assault them from the huge boulders on the mountainside. It was a dreaded, fearful and dangerous part of the upward climb to the Holy City. But, singing and claiming the promises of God’s Word, they moved joyfully on to Jerusalem.
David realised how much we need God’s protection, provision, and leadership. Without God guiding our path, the danger around us is great and our ability to protect ourselves non-existent.
When going through a dark valley we have to remember that we are not alone.
The shadows in our life are the evidence of the presence of light. How do you deal with a shadow? You turn your back to the shadow and look at the light. Look at the light Jesus. Jesus is the light of the world.
John 8:12 (CEV) Jesus said, “I am the light for the world! Follow me, and you won’t be walking in the dark. You will have the light that gives life”
2 Corinthians 4:6 (NLT) “For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ.”
There is no darkness in God.
1 John 1:5 (NIV) “This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.”
The Bible says God is light and in him there is no darkness at all. You need to stop focusing on the things that scare you: those bills, those fears, those worries, that stuff that keeps swirling around in your mind. Move your focus off your fears so you can focus on the Father.
Psalm 119:130 (NKJV) “The entrance of Your words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple.”
Psalm 36:9 (NKJV) “For with You is the fountain of life; In Your light we see light”
John 8:12 (NKJV) “Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”
God cannot do evil. Even when you’re facing problems, conflict, grief, fear, or failure, God is at work creating some good from your valley.