“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley…”
Yes, there are valleys. Wait a minute…what happened to the guide and the “paths of righteousness”? No one mentioned a “valley” or having to walk through it. I thought being right with God meant no more valleys. Can’t we just stay on the mountain top?
No we can’t. Valleys are not only there, but they are necessary for many reasons. Much of what we need in our life’s journey is found in the valleys.
We learn, in nature, that the valley is actually a good place. It is where the resources are. It is where we find the green pastures and the quiet waters. Creation tells us that the valleys are some of the most beautiful places. I think about that when driving down I-81 through the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. There is a peace in the valley, as the old song says. So, just as the streams flow down the mountain and into the valley…our lives also, naturally flow to the valley.
We must address, however, what we normally associate with the “valley” when referring to our lives. We are usually talking about challenging circumstances or even suffering. Once again, the Scripture gives us a different perspective on this type of valley. The Apostle Paul is constantly reminding us that the new relationship we have in our Good Shepherd came at great cost. Our “abundant life” is made possible through the suffering and death of Christ Jesus. Our wonderful salvation that we enjoy came by the sacrifice that we are meditating on in this Lenten season. The blessed truths of Psalm 23 are available to you because Jesus was nailed to a cross and walked through the “valley of death” for you.
This should transform how we look at the valley of suffering in our lives. Sometimes it is necessary for our own good and that of others. Paul said,
“Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character; and character, hope.” (Romans 5:3,4)
Yes, there will be “valleys”, but be reminded…it is in the valleys that the richest resources are found. It is in the valleys that we find our strength and recognize that our Good Shepherd is there to take us through.
Maybe you are in a valley today. Take heart there is a blessing there.