August 28, 2019
The Believer’s Valley Experiences
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. Surely goodness and loving kindness will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. Psalm 23: 1-6
Where there are mountains, there must also be valleys—it’s a simple fact of the created world. The same is also true in our spiritual life. To reach the place where the Lord is leading us, we must sometimes traverse “the valley of the shadow of death” (Psalm 23:4).
Spiritual mountaintops are wonderful spots to rest. At such times, we feel close to God and sure of His love. But we get to those high places by toiling through the valley, where we discover His character, the truth of His promises, and our own weakness. There are aspects of the Lord that we see only as we journey through shadow.
God is a jealous shepherd—He wants His followers to rely entirely upon Him. He draws us through valleys in order to remove every habit, thought pattern, or external crutch that we use instead of trusting Him—those suddenly seem inadequate in the low places. That’s where we discover whether our faith, courage, and wisdom are self-created or from the Lord.
Though walking in valleys is an inevitable part of life, believers aren’t left comfortless. Verse 5 is about having needs met, including the desire to be soothed. Here is the image of a tender shepherd rubbing oil onto an animal’s skin. God promises assurance, healing, and safety, even in hardship.
Believers can shout, “I trust God” from the mountain because they have learned to live by faith in the valley. Walking in the shadow of evil is difficult and frightening work. But when we surrender to whatever the Lord has to teach us in this dark place, our spirit is quieted and our faith is strengthened.
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