Through The Valley Series

Through The Valley

Psalms 23:1-6

In this life there are what some call the peaks and the valleys. Here David reminds us of the life’s journey that often leads through the valley.

See: Psalms 84:5-7 The valley of Baca (weeping)

Perhaps David in writing this psalm is reminded of some the journeys leading sheep which required passing through the valleys. In these valleys there was always the present of danger.

Vs.4 Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for thou art with me.

Comment: We have come to a place in this psalm that is even more personalized. The pronouns are used “I” and “Thou”

Comment: There are times in the seasons when the shepherd spends an enormous amount of time with the sheep. It is doing this time an intimate and personal relationship is developed.

Mention: Moses and David were shepherds who became great leaders of God’s people, perhaps because of their experience as shepherds.

There are several key things I want to share from Vs.4

Point: The valley is a very treacherous place. It is there the disappointments, difficult days, disasters and dark days of life are experienced.

1. The Valley Is Predestined For Us All

Job 5:7 Yet man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward

Job 14:1 Man that is born of woman is of few days, and full of trouble

a. God’s Providence

Mention: In the book of Job a key statement is made about his valley experiences “ There was a day” Job 1:6, 13 and 2:1

The experiences of the valley are sudden and unexpected which leave no time to prepare or plan for.

Phillip Keller writes: The shepherd never takes the sheep a way he has never previously traveled, and this is true with our Good Shepherd. He knows what we are going to be confronted with in the valley.

Comment: We must remember that He Himself also had to travel through the valley (speaking of Calvary)

Comment: It is important for us to know that the sheep are not in the valley by accident, but we are led through the valley.

Vs.2 He leadeth me besides still water

Vs.3 He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness…

Vs.4 Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death…

2. The Valley Is A Place Of Refreshment And Growth

Statement: No one likes to talk about the valley experiences much or even seek such experiences, but they are inevitable unto us.

b. God’s Purpose

Point: We should know that always in God’s providence there is a divine purpose, and it is for us and not against us. Ref. Romans 8:28

Statement: The valley of difficulties, disappointments and discouragement is not meant to be a dead end for us.

“Yea though I walk through…”

c. God’s Provision

Point: It is in the valley the shepherd knows the water flows and where there is water there is also green vegetation. This a sign of God’s refreshing hand sustaining us through our valley experiences.

d. God’s Protection

“I will fear no evil, for thou art with me”

Comment: I believe in the valley the presence of God is the greatest if we are seeking Him.

Mention: 2 Tim. 4:17 Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me

Mention: Hebrews 13:5-6 I will not leave thee nor forsake thee…so that we may say the Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

Mention: 1 Kings 20:28 The Syrians said God is the God of the hills, but He is not the God of the valleys, but they were so wrong because it there God does His greatest work.

Comment: Because of the lack of fear the carefully walk through the valley

3. The Valley Is The Way To The Mountain Top

These mountains are not designed for us to go around or under them, but through them!

Phillip Keller writes about one his valley experiences: His wife dying of cancer and how God carefully led them through it all.

Point: Here David does not speak of dying, but even in that greatest height is achieved by the child of God.

Vs.4 Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.