These are unprecedented times. Our emotions are reeling and circumstances are extremely difficult. Where can we turn for comfort and peace? The 23rd Psalm has always been one of my favorite passages in the Bible. As a child, I committed it to memory as I envisioned myself a little sheep following a protective, loving Good Shepherd. Although I’m older now, I’m still that little sheep that needs to follow Jesus. When anxiety keeps me up at night, I slowly repeat the 23rd Psalm, meditating on the meaning and implications of each stanza. A calmness washes over me as I am reminded that Jesus Himself is with me…protecting, guiding, providing and loving me. Sleep soon follows.
Below is an excerpt from Peace in the Storms of Life. My prayer is that you will trust and follow the Good Shepherd during these uncertain times. If you have not memorized this passage, I encourage you to do so. You will not regret being able to recall these words of assurance spoken over you.
How Green Is My Valley?
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even 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.
Psalm 23:1–4
Life consists of hills and valleys. We prefer the hilltops, but unfortunately, they don’t last forever. Do we view valleys with disdain, dread, and fear? Valleys are difficult, yet they need not overtake us. Although the apostle Paul had experienced shipwreck, beatings, and imprisonment, he wrote, “We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies” (2 Corinthians 4:8–10).
Like Paul, we can experience hope and peace because of Jesus, our Good Shepherd. Even in the valleys, He provides green pastures. Ponder physical valleys. Because they are situated between hills, rainwater is funneled to the bottom. The grass is greener and trees provide shade from the scorching heat. Many times rivers flow through valleys, bringing water to sustain plants and animals.
When Jesus allows you to walk through valleys, He is always with you.
He leads and sustains you. Jesus provides for you. He can bring hope, peace, and restoration in the valleys of life. The secret is not to panic but to rest in Him alone. Drink from the Living Water. Rest in the green pastures that He provides. You need not fear evil. Jesus is your comforter and protector.
Have you ever encountered a deep valley in life? Describe it. How did you handle it? Have you ever experienced God’s presence in a valley? Ask the Lord to help you trust Him in the valleys of life. Look to Him to provide all that you need.
Excerpt from Peace in the Storms of Life, pg 132-133