Read the transcript from today's video devotional.
One of my biggest fears is going through a dark season for a long time. Sometimes when we're in the thick of it, although the suffering is temporary, it may feel like it's forever. In our text today, we receive a lot of comfort.
Psalm chapter 23, verse 4 says this: "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."
Psalm 23 has brought so much comfort and peace to so many believers, because it is this promise that we have a shepherd that walks with us through the valley of the shadow of death.
The Valley Is Not Your Destination
I want us to notice something. David starts out by saying, "Even when I walk through the darkest valley." He says "through" because the valley is not the final destination. The valley is temporary. He is going through it.
You know, I have a buddy that says, "A valley—the only way you're going to go through is by going through it." It's so true. There's some tests that you and I cannot bypass, because there are certain things that we can learn about ourselves and God only when we go through the valley of the shadow of death.
What is that valley for you today? Maybe it's a diagnosis, a financial struggle, a strained relationship, or maybe you've lost somebody and you're grieving and you're wondering, Will these tears ever stop? Will this trial have an expiration date?
David reminds us, "Even when I walk through the darkest valley"—you're going to walk through it. That means there is coming a day when the trial will end.
You Are Not Alone
Then David says this: "I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me." It's one thing to suffer, but it's another thing to suffer alone. When we're in the thick of it, and when we don't sense the presence of God, when we feel like we're alone—which is one of the biggest lies of the enemy—that you're the only one that's going through this, you're the only one that has these doubts about God, you're the only one that's struggling with this struggle—we have to remind ourselves of the truth.
I've caved into that lie multiple times, and I have to remind myself, no, you are not alone. God has given me the church, His presence, and His Word. He's given me the weapon of fasting and meditation. When I'm in that dark valley, I'm going to rely on those things that God has given me.
Protection and Guidance
Then David says this: "For you are close beside me, your rod [speaking of protection] and your staff, they comfort me." A staff was used to guide.
I don't know what your valley of the shadow of death is. Maybe you've hit a point in your life where you're like, I don't even know if I can trust God anymore because it has been trial after trial, and I don't know what to do next. In fact, maybe you're watching and you're like, I'm ready to give up on God because I feel betrayed, I feel abandoned.
Can I just remind you? Your trial has an end, and you have a loving Father that's going to walk with you through that trial every single step of the way.
Taking It One Step at a Time
I want to encourage you. The Bible says that the Word of God is a lamp unto our feet. Every day is a step. We take the lamp, which is the Word of God, and we're going to allow God's Word to lead us. But every day is a step.
Learn to celebrate even small victories. If you're doing well, celebrate that. Make a decision. You're not going to give up on the church. You're not going to give up on God. You're going to continue to fill your mind with the truth of God's Word, and you're going to allow His voice to be the loudest voice in your life.
