How Deep Is Your Valley? Series

What Is in Your Valley?

Psalm 23:4

Introduction:

Ps. 23 = is not a still life scene; it is not a stationary picture in a storybook. It is a journey… reminder that life is not stationary…. always moving.

Journey of life the Shepherd takes us into the green pastures of His peace and contentment… refreshes us with the still waters of His presence… other times we are rejoicing on the mountain top of His blessings (v.5)… one day as the Lord’s sheep we will be forever home with Him in the Father’s House (v.6).

Between here and there enter the deep valley of (v.4).

Quote: “Those 7 words – “the valley of the shadow of death” – represent one of the most enduring images in human literature.” – Robert Morgan pp. 112-113

Quote: F.B. Meyer – “In all of Scripture there is no verse more familiar than this.”

This one verse has been on the lips of many a dying saint. It has been the handkerchief that dried the tear-filled eyes of hurting Christians. It has been read at gravesides more than any other verse of Scripture.

This verse is more than just a poetic theme; it is a real place in Israel. There may have been a specific gorge on David’s mind as the Holy Spirit inspired these precious words. Most Bible Scholars believe that place is the famed “Wadi Qelt.”

“Wadi” = Middle Eastern term – deep valley or ravine.

Wadi Qelt a narrow treacherous 17-mile-long gorge or mountain pass that connects the Judean wilderness to the Jordan Valley near the city of Jericho…

Ancient city of Jericho was a desert oasis and the area around it was well watered with lush pastures for feeding sheep. For thousands of years travelers followed this trek from Jerusalem to Jericho, facing dangers from falling rocks, steep precipices, wild animals and thieves hiding in its many caves.

Shepherds called it, “The Valley of the Shadow of Death.”

No doubt many a time David had led his sheep through this deep, dark passageway, known as the Wadi Qelt to the pasturelands of the Jordan Valley below.

Valley = reminds us of the valleys we traverse in life. Our valleys may not be literal valleys like the “Wadi Kelt”, but they are no less real, no less daunting, no less fearful… valleys at times become so long and deep that we wonder if they will ever end.

It is not a matter of “If” but “When” we descend into those valleys… at times we enter them suddenly and unexpectedly. Maybe you have just come through a deep valley or you are in the middle of one right now! Feel like life is closing in on you… valley so deep, dark can’t seem to see your way through.

No matter how deep your valley… YOU HAVE AN ALL SUFFICIENT SHEPHERD!

I. PURPOSE IN YOUR VALLEY!

Look: v.4

“Yea” = (lit) yes! Connecter that links vv.3 & 4 – “He leadeth me in paths of righteousness… “Yes, though I walk…” = even when I enter the dark valleys of life, He is still leading me!

Enter valley times of life must remember that we have come to this place because of the Shepherd’s leading.

Quote: Corrie Ten Boom – “There are no accidents in the life of the child of God; only plans!”

I have an all-wise & loving Shepherd in control of my life. He is the “GOOD SHEPHERD!!!” Allows nothing in my life that is not for my good. Now, that doesn’t mean that everything in my valley is “good.”

Rom. 8:28 – “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

“All” = nothing in our lives can never be outside those three letters.

Quote: “There are no exceptions. That little word draws a circle that encloses every detail of your life. Every tragedy. Every trial. Every teardrop. Every burden, however deep. Every problem, however complex. Every day, however cloudy. All things work together for good.”

Quote: “God in His love always wills what is best for us. In His wisdom, He always knows what is best. And in His sovereignty has the power to bring it about.”

Illust: Andrew Murray was going through a personal trial. One morning while he was eating breakfast, his hostess told him there was a woman downstairs that was going through a great trial and wanted to know if he had any advice for her. Murray handed her a piece of paper he had been writing on and said, “Give her this advice I’m writing down for myself. It may be that she’ll find it helpful.”

“In time of trouble say,

‘First, He brought me here. It is by His will I am in this strait place; in that I will rest.’