Today’s 333 Devotional: “Navigating Life’s Dark Valleys”

In Psalm 23:4 King David said, “Yea, 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.”

The Bible often talks about valleys as tough times. Joshua talks about a Valley of Calamity. Psalm 84 uses the imagery of people passing through the Valley of Baca, or weeping, and Hosea talks about the Valley of Achor, or the Valley of Trouble.

Today, valleys are not well thought of. We talk of being in despair as being in a valley. When asked how we’re doing, if we’re not doing well, we say we’re in a valley. But our valleys don’t have to be places of despair. The difference is what they’re focusing on.

Remember God is Present

David knew this saying, “For You are with me.”

God not only promises us His power in the valleys but His presence as well. When we know God as our Good Shepherd, we’ll never walk alone. He’ll be with us.

No matter what problems we face, God says He’ll see us through. He’ll be with us every step of the way. Therefore, we have nothing to fear when God is near, so we can rely upon his protection and guidance.

David continues, “Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” The rod and staff were two basic tools used by the shepherd to protect and guide the sheep.

Further, calling it the valley of the shadow of death means it isn’t the valley that scares us; rather it’s the shadow. But there is no shadow without there being a source of light.

Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” (John 8:12)

So, God’s power, presence, protection, and guidance are ours when we walk through the valleys of life, including the valley of the shadow of death.