Divine Comfort In Difficult Conditions

Divine Comfort in Difficult Conditions

Study Text: Psalms 23:1 - 6

Introduction:

- Life often presents us with challenges that feel like walking through “the valley of the shadow of death.”

- These are times of extreme hardship, difficulties, fear, and uncertainty, where one feels that the only way out is death.

- But for the believer, these times are not meant to destroy us. The Word of God assures us that even in the darkest moments, we can walk confidently because God is with us. Micah 7:8

- In this study, we are being encouraged to be assured that God can see us through every life difficulties and coming out triumphantly. We can find strength and hope in God’s presence.

We shall be discussing this topic under three subheadings:

1. The Condition

2. The Confidence

3. The Comfort

1. The Condition

-There are several difficult situations and conditions that are common to man, and that can be described as one passing through the valley of the shadows of death:

1. When passing through intense trials and sufferings.

2. When experiencing serious lack or insufficiency of something desperately needed.

- For instance an emergency case in the hospital where money is not available.

3. When passing through a life-threatening situation where a lot of money was spent without any hope of improvement.

4. When experiencing a Satanic affliction that has adversely affected the health, the wealth and the home.

- We have a challenging example of Job, how the Devil afflicted him that he lost everything including his children and his health.

5. When experiencing rejection and opposition on all sides leading to constant failures and disappointments.

- In situations like these, it is helpful to note that:

1. Everyone Faces the Valley

- The valley is not a sign that God has abandoned you. Even Jesus, the Son of God, faced His own valleys: most notably in the Garden of Gethsemane and at the cross.

- Just like our Saviour, every believer will face valleys, but these valleys are not the end of our story. They are part of our journey, shaping and refining us.

2. God will never let you down if you put your total trust in Him

- It is always difficult to keep trusting God in difficult situations, and that is what the Devil is rejoicing over.

- But the Word of God says whosever puts his trust in God shall never be put to shame. Proverbs 3:5 - 8

3. The Bible says shadow of death, and not death itself.

- Shadows can seem intimidating, but they are not the real thing.

- The presence of the shadow means there is light somewhere. Jesus, the Light of the World, is our hope even in the darkest valleys. He is the reason we can walk through and not be consumed.

2. The Confidence

- The foundation of your confidence in the Lord is that you received Him as your Shepherd. Psalms 23:1

- You need to shift your focus away from the valley and look up unto the ever present God who will see you through the journey in the valley. Hebrews 12:2

- In order to strengthen your faith, and build up your confidence in Him, you need the following:

1. The Assurance of His Presence (Isaiah 41:10)

- In the valley, God’s presence is our greatest comfort. “I will fear no evil, for You are with me,”

- God’s presence changes everything. When God is with you, the valley is no longer a place of fear, but of growth.

2. The Assurance that no Valley Can Separate You from God’s Love (Romans 8:38-39)

- No matter how dark the valley may seem, you need the assurance that nothing can separate you from God’s love. His love is constant, unwavering, and present in every circumstance.

- Even in the valley of death, His love will sustain you. Paul reminds us that neither death, life, nor anything else in creation can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.

3. The Assurance that God Will Bring You Out (Isaiah 43:2)

- God promises that when we pass through the waters, He will be with us, and when we walk through the fire, we will not be burned.

- The valley is a place of testing, but it is also a place of victory. God has already made a way for you to come out of the valley.

- On the other side of the valley is your breakthrough, your testimony, and your victory.

4. The Assurance that God will use the Valley to Prepare You for the Mountain (Psalm 30:5, Romans 8:28)

“Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.”

- The valley prepares us for the mountain. Every trial we face is an opportunity for God to work in us and through us. Romans 8:28