Walking Through the Valley
Key Scriptures: Psalm 23:1-6
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Summary: Even though we endure valleys in life, we need not fear because we do not enter into them on our own. Jesus goes with us to protect and comfort us.
Lesson One: Jesus will not let go of me.
Psalm 23:4, Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.
2 Corinthians 4:8-9, We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; we are persecuted, but not abandoned; and struck down, but not destroyed.
Lesson Two: He promises to comfort me.
Psalm 23:4, Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Psalm 119:48-49, I reach out for your commands, which I love, that I may meditate on your decrees. Remember your word to your servant, for you have given me hope. My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.
Lesson Three: Jesus is waiting for me.
Psalm 23:4-6, You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love shall follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Psalm 139:7-10, Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; If I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.