Passing Through Dark Valleys Series

Cathy and I have found that over the years we have been together one of the things that both enjoy doing is going in caves. We have been in several caves including Monmouth Cave in Kentucky and Wind Cave up in South Dakota. This past summer we went to Carlsbad Caverns down in New Mexico. That was our second visit to Carlsbad. Carlsbad Caverns is a fantastic cave.

Whenever we get a chance we take a guided tour through the cave. On almost every tour we have taken the guide will stop along the trail and have all the lights turned off. Most of us who have only been above ground have never been in complete darkness. Even when we are at home when the lights go out – there is usually some source light some where. The stars or the moon give off some light or a passing car will light things up a little. But it’s not that way in a cave. There is no source of light what so ever. It can be quit frightful.

One of the things you must do in that situation is remember where you are and who you are with. You remember that you are in a cave with a tour group. You remember that your spouse is there with you. But most of all you remember that you have a guide who is there to lead you and he is there too. This is like being in a dark valley. He is right there. I may not be able to see Him because of the darkness – but the fact remains that He is right there. Matthew twenty eight verse twenty says:

“I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Matthew 28:20 (NKJV)

3. Rely on God’s PROTECTION.

David reminds us that God has a rod and a staff to protect us. The rod and the staff are basic tools for the shepherd. The rod is basically two feet long and has a knot at one end. Shepherds train to use the rod like a missile at anything that would endanger the sheep. Shepherds use the rod to protect their flock.

The staff is a long stick with a crock at the end of it. The staff is used to draw sheep out of a ditch or to pull them closer to the shepherd’s side. But the truth is the shepherd is there to protect His sheep. God has promised us His protection. John chapter ten says:

"My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand." John 10:29 (NKJV)

I want to close with three thoughts about shadows.

A. Shadows are always BIGGER THAN REALITY. Fear is always greater than the problems you face.

B. Shadows cannot HURT YOU. Have you ever been run over by a shadow? There is a big difference between a truck and a shadow. Shadows can not hurt you – they can only scare you.

C. Shadows only appear when there is a LIGHT SOURCE. You may be in a dark valley right now – but there is light at the end of the tunnel. The Bible says that God is light – and in Him there is no darkness. Trust Him. Believe in Him because:

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me." Psalms 23:1-4 (NKJV)