SHADOWS IN THE VALLEY
Verse 4: Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me;
This is a pathway that nobody desires to embark on. There is no straight route to anywhere. Life is full of ups and down, twist and turns. God will test everyone to vet them in their moments of lows and the highs to know what is in their hearts. Ask every Christian they had a story to tell about when they felt like God is not real and yet they have many testimonies to confirm of His goodness.
The valley experience is one many wish they will never experience but even Jesus have to go through moments that felt like the Father had abandon Him. Going a little farther, He fell with His face to the ground and prayed,” My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. (Matthew 26:39)…My Father, My Father why has you forsaken me (Psalm 22:1)
Consider when Prophet Elijah went to hide in the cave to escape Jezebel’s threat to his life. The Lord asked him what are you doing here, and he responded,” I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenants, torn down your alters, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only l left, and now they are trying to kill me too. (1 Kings 19:10) Previous pathways seems to be in direct contrast to this one.
This is to remind us that the devil and his evil agents are prowling our paths but God’s abiding presence is our security. (Hebrews 13:5b) For He has said I will never leave you nor forsake you.
The valley experience you are going through is only a shadow. The reality is Christ in you the hope of glory. Greater is He in you than he that is in the world. (Col 1:27; 1 John 4:4)
In your valley of sickness, poverty, death, marital crises…. Etc. God is with you.
The rod is His system of strength to deter or crush the enemy. Guaranteeing your comfort. The staff is shepherds indispensable tool to direct or pull out any sheep that falls into a pit. He promises to leave the ninety-nine to find the one missing. He assures us that He will never leave a sheep behind.
Prayer: Dear Lord, grant me the patience to learn obedience in the valleys, courage to trust you in the most dreadful hours of the dark in Jesus name.
