The Valley Of Death Part 2 Series

Psalms 23:4 Monte T. Brown

November 9, 2014 Sunday Night

Stapp Zoe Baptist

Introduction

Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is portrayed in the 23th Psalms as our Shepherd and are his sheep. From time to time we will go through dark valleys and how we handle that depends on how “The Shepherd” works in our lives.

This morning we covered the five facts about dark valleys.

1. Dark valleys are UNAVOIDABLE

2. Dark valleys are UNPREDICTABLE

3. Dark valleys are IMPARTIAL

4. Dark valleys are TEMPORARY

5. Dark valleys have a PURPOSE

This evening I want us to look at WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU GO THROUGH DARK VALLEYS

As we look at part 2 of “The Valley of Death” I want all of us to ponder this question.

How do you handle the dark valleys in your life?

Scripture

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Psalms 23:4 (KJV)

Prayer

Here are the three things that we need TO DO WHEN YOU GO THROUGH DARK VALLEYS

1. Refuse to be DISCOURAGED

Let’s look at Psalms 23:4 again.

“Even, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.” Psalms 23:4 (NKJV)

I want to observe two very important things about this verse.

The first is; God doesn’t panic when you go through a problem.

But neither should His sheep.

The picture we get from this verse is that that his sheep aren’t frightened as they pass through the valley.

Look at this verse again.

Notice that it says that “I walk” through the valley.

It doesn’t say – “I run.”

It doesn’t say, “I quiver”.

It doesn’t say, “I shake in my boots”

No – it says “I walk.”

As a sheep trusting in “The Shepherd” we are sure footed.

As a sheep trusting in “The Shepherd” we take our time.

As a sheep trusting in “The Shepherd” we don’t need to panic.

The second thing is;

Notice it says in verse 4 “I will.”

You might want to underline these two words “I will” in your Bible.

“I will” is a matter of choice. "I will" fear no evil.

You see as a sheep trusting in “The Shepherd” the “I will” overcomes the problem of fear and evil.

When you go through those valleys, as a sheep trusting in “The Shepherd” the “I will” gets you out of the valley that you are in.

One of the biggest adjustments you need make when you are going through the valley is to have an attitude adjustment.

Refuse to be discouraged, remember that:

• You can’t go around the valley.

• You can’t go under the valley.

• You can’t go over the valley.

• You must go through the valley.

• But as a sheep trusting in “The Shepherd” you must remember the “I will.”

• “I will” fear no evil.”

• “I will” not be afraid.

• “I will” refuse to be shaking.

• “I will” walk through this valley.

Remember what rest of that verse says, for thou art with me.

As a sheep trusting in “The Shepherd” he is with you every step of the way.

2. Rely on “The Shepherd’s” PRESENCE

God does not leave you alone.

At verse, four in the Psalms there is a great change in the language.

Up to this point all, the pronouns are in the third person.

“He leads me.” “He guides me.” “He restores my soul.”

Now the language changes from third person to second person pronouns.

Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

“You are with me. Your rod and your staff they comfort me.”

All of a sudden, the ultimate becomes the intimate.

When you are going through dark valleys you don’t want to talk about “The Shepherd,” you want to talk to “The Shepherd.”

Religion now becomes a relationship.

“The Shepherd” says, “I am with you. I will take you by the hand. I will lead you through this.”

It’s during dark valleys that we need to know “The Shepherd” is there.

It’s during dark valleys that our faith is the most tested.

Have you ever taken a tour of one of the caves in Missouri? I have taken my family several times through those caves and almost every tour you’ll take, 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 somewhere.

The stars or the moon give off some light or a passing car will light things up a little.