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
- Your valley is not the end, it is the preparation for a greater victory and a deeper relationship with God.
3. The Comfort
- While in the valley, the rod and the staff of God are there as instruments of comfort.
- These represent the Word of God and the Spirit of God.
- God gives direction and protect from all overwhelming evil and dangers, by His Word and the Holy Spirit, so that the child of God can pass through victoriously.
1. You are Walking “Through”, Not Stuck in the Valley. (Psalm 23:4)
- David says we walk *through* the valley of the shadow of death. We are not meant to stay there. It is a passage, not a permanent destination.
- God is leading us *through* the valley to something greater. The valley may be painful, but it’s temporary.
- God’s grace will lead us through, and on the other side, there is light, joy, and victory.
2. God’s Strength is available in Your Weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9)
- In the valley, we often feel weak, but God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness.
- It is in these moments of desperation and dependence that we experience His grace most powerfully.
- God does not leave us to face the valley on our own. He strengthens us, carries us, and gives us the endurance to keep moving forward.
3. Fear is Not Your Companion (Psalm 23:4)
- David confidently states, “I will fear no evil.” Fear often tries to grip us in the valley, but faith in God’s promises can drive it out.
- God has not given us the spirit of bondage again to fear, but the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry Abba Father.
- The Lord is our Shepherd, and He will never leave us alone in the valley.
- He is our refuge and fortress, a very present help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1).
- When we know God is with us, fear loses its grip on us.
4. Hope in the Resurrection (John 11:25-26)
- Even in the face of death, we have hope because of the resurrection.
- If only in this world alone we have hope, we are of all men most miserable.
- Jesus is the resurrection and the life. Death does not have the final say for those who are in Christ.
- This hope in eternal life gives us strength to endure whatever valley we face on this side of eternity. Our future is secure in Christ.
Conclusion:
- Walking through the valley of the shadow of death is a difficult part of life, but we do not walk alone. God is with us, guiding, protecting, and strengthening us.
- His presence is our comfort, and His promises are our hope. The valley is not the end, it is a temporary passage to victory.
- As we trust in God’s presence, we can walk through the valley without fear, knowing that on the other side is greater joy, peace, and life.
