IT IS YOUR TURN IN THE VALLEY!

Psalm 23:1-6

INTRODUCTION: This portion of Scripture is one that is read at almost every funeral. In times of danger, our soldiers will often pull out their New Testament Bibles and go to the back where the Psalms are and read the 23ard Psalm to comfort their hearts. Psalm 23:1-6. Psalm 23:4.

I. VALLEY EXPERIENCES ARE INEVITABLE IN THE LIFE OF EVERY BELIEVER!

We will all have our times in the valley. We would like to go from mountain top to mountain top but we cannot avoid the valleys. The truth is our times in the valleys are just as important as our times on the mountain tops. So what should we do when it is our turn in the valley? Psalm 23:1; Psalm 23:2-3. This is all very beautiful, but now we come to verse four and it begins with the words “Yea thought”. Psalm 23:4. We do walk through the valley of the shadow of death but our Lord does not wish for us to live in the valley of the shadow of death. Psalm 23:4: here David speaks of “shadows”, “death”, “fear” and “evil.”

II. WHY DO WE GO THROUGH THESE VALLEY EXPERIENCES?

Some of the reasons we go through “the Valley of the Shadow of Death” are avoidable and some are not. Our own foolish decisions to stray away from our Good Shepherd will put us in the Valley of the Shadow of Death. At times the actions of people around us will put us into the Valley of the Shadow of Death. The Good Shepherd may lead us into the Valley of the Shadow of Death. When it is our turn in the Valley of the Shadow of death we need to ask two questions of the Lord: “Father why am I here?” “Lord what is Your goal for me in this suffering, how should I respond?”

III. VALLEY EXPERIENCES ARE PAINFUL TIMES IN OUR LIVES!

Those four key words again in verse four: “Shadow, death, fear, and evil.” Those four words speak of the nature of this valley. Every valley experience is different, so we must admit to those going through their valley that we do not know exactly what they are going through. We can give hope but remember their valley is not your valley: 2 Corinthians 1:3-4. In our time in the valley of the shadow of death we must remember the words: “Thou art with me!” Romans 8:28-29; John 10:11, 14, 27-30; Psalm 23:4’ Psalm 23:1. When we don’t know the promises of God it is all-together too easy to panic in our times in the valley of the shadow of death. Matthew 7:24-27. Our valley trials are profitable to those who are trained by them: Hebrews 12:11; Psalm 23:5: this happens right in the very center of our valley time. God’s purpose for allowing our valley times is to teach us to rely on nothing and not one but Him. Remember, it is often on the other side of your valley that God will reveal His next plan for your life to you. Your valley is not a destination, it a route to God’s destination for your life. We walk through the valley of the shadow of death. Our response to our time in the valley will determine if they are profitable or only painful losses. There are two ways to respond to your valley times: Rebellion against God. Psalm 23:4.