Good morning
Ever been surrounded by Valleys? Take today’s Holy Nougat like good medicine.
“Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.” Psalms 23:4 NLT
I have been through various valleys. Of the mountains of disappointment, despair, disillusionment and even debt. I’ve created valleys for myself several times. And I tell you, valleys have their purpose.
For one, it is in the valley that we grasp the vastness of the mountain around us. (Especially if it’s debt or disillusionment which surrounds us). Moreover, unlike mountains in reality, those valleys seem way closer and insurmountable. All at once.
Not good!
And, unlike the mountains in reality, those mountains – especially from the disadvantaged point of the valleys – seem ominous and threatening. Who’s never felt overwhelmed by one of THOSE mountains when they suddenly appear? Not always, but yeah.
But most of all, no matter how long we’ve spent in the valleys with those mountains – no matter how intertwined they are with our lives – fact is; They. Are. Not. Real. Just like the Valley of Shadows.
All those valley experiences can be crippling. Especially when we focus on their size, their ominous feel and their proximity to us. They are real in the sense of being issues in our lives. But in essence, unless we allow them, they really are greater in power than us; especially with our Good Shepherd right there with us.
For regardless of the mountain which surrounds our valley – disappointments, despair, disasters (natural or other), disillusionment, debt, or – God forbid – death (or death’s Shadows) – we have the assurance that once we shift our focus; Our God is grander, greater, gentler and far more (life)giving than whatever lurks in the Valley of Shadows. And God is armed and able to stave off what greets us.
For that’s the purpose of the rod and staff. To pull us back when we are overwhelmed, and to stave off the enemy’s attacks on our senses. To provide perspective, that there’s a way THROUGH the Valley that takes us back to safety; once we shift our focus. To the One Who is genuinely close by us; comforting and supporting us along our way.
There is scope for fearlessness in the Valley of Shadows. It’s about perspective.
Have a great day!
In Christ’s love and grace . . .
