Real Hope: Psalm 23Sample

Our Valley Is Not a Lonely Place

Sometimes all it takes for us to get over our fears, is to have someone with us as we face them. Think of all the times you’ve heard a friend say, ‘I’ll do it, but only if you to do too’, as you egg each other on in your quest to conquer the biggest rollercoaster, try a bizarre new food, or go out on a limb to explore a new hobby. Sure enough, when it’s two instead of one you’re good to go.

In life there are times where we’re in the valley. It’s dark, it’s scary and uncertain. Our worst fears are in front of us and if left alone we’d feel hopeless, frozen and unsure of our next step.

The only way out of the valley is to walk through it. We can’t dodge this passageway and its shadows, but thankfully, as we see in Psalm 23, God is with us. We’re not alone as we feel the fear of the unknown – we have Almighty God by our side.

Better yet, He’s not just with us, He has the power to act: His rod and His staff are in tow.

Not only is God our companion in the valley enabling us to keep walking and facing what we might not be able to alone, but He has the tools to step in and help us too.

Perhaps that rod is His word, pointing us to truths the shadows may try to cover over. His staff is our prayers, holding back the worry that threatens to envelop us.

Whatever your valley, know God is with you. He’s there offering comfort, protection and peace.

Written by LAURA BENNETT