Walking Through Life's Valleys with God's Presence
Summary
Psalm 23 is a profound reminder of God's presence in our lives, especially during our darkest moments. Today, we explored the imagery of the "valley of the shadow of death," a metaphor for the deep, dark valleys we all encounter. These valleys can manifest as job loss, illness, betrayal, or any personal struggle that casts a shadow over our lives. Yet, the focus is not on the valley itself but on the God who walks with us through it. God never promised to remove the valleys from our lives, but He assured us of His presence as we navigate them.
David, the shepherd-king, understood this intimately. He knew the dangers of leading sheep through narrow valleys, where predators lurked. Yet, he declared, "I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me." This assurance comes from knowing that God, our Shepherd, is both our protector and guide. His rod and staff symbolize His protection and guidance, comforting us as we journey through life's challenges.
The rod, a symbol of God's protection, assures us that He fights for us against the enemy. It also represents His possession of us, reminding us that we are His cherished flock. The staff, on the other hand, is a tool of guidance and correction, gently steering us back when we stray. Embracing God's correction is crucial, especially in the valley, as it keeps us close to Him and prevents us from wandering into danger.
In the gray areas of life, where shadows loom large, we are called to praise God. Recognizing His presence and activity in our lives, even when it's hard to see, strengthens our faith. Sharing our stories, like Silvano did, can bring glory to God and encourage others who are walking through their own valleys. Ultimately, God is the God of the gray, walking with us, protecting us, and leading us through to the other side.
Key Takeaways:
- God's Presence in the Valley: In life's darkest moments, God walks with us. He never promised to remove the valleys but assured us of His presence as we navigate them. This presence is our comfort and strength, reminding us that we are never alone. [21:06]
- The Rod and Staff: God's rod symbolizes His protection and possession of us, while His staff represents His guidance and correction. Embracing God's correction keeps us close to Him, especially in the valley, preventing us from wandering into danger. [31:13]
- Praising God in the Gray: In the shadowy, gray areas of life, we are called to praise God. Recognizing His presence and activity, even when it's hard to see, strengthens our faith and brings glory to Him. [38:48]
- Sharing Our Stories: Sharing our testimonies, like Silvano's, can bring glory to God and encourage others. Our stories of God's faithfulness in the valley can inspire hope and faith in those who are walking through their own dark times. [45:01]
- God's Unfailing Love: God's love for us is unwavering, whether we are on a mountaintop or in a valley. Surrendering our lives to Him allows us to experience the fullness of His love and the blessing of walking daily with the God of the universe. [46:54]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[09:01] - Introduction to Silvano's Story
[10:41] - Donald Barnhouse's Illustration
[12:26] - Exploring Psalm 23
[15:03] - The Valley of Shadows
[16:45] - Personal Story: The Mimi Blanket
[17:25] - Understanding the Shepherd's Role
[21:06] - God's Presence in the Valley
[23:06] - Walking Through the Valley
[24:52] - Haunted House Experience
[26:37] - Who Do I Cling To?
[29:50] - The Reality of Being Alone
[31:13] - The Rod and Staff
[33:01] - God's Protection and Possession
[35:13] - The Power of God's Hand
[36:43] - The Shepherd's Staff
[37:58] - Embracing God's Correction
[38:48] - Praising God in the Gray
[39:55] - Personal Story: Missed Meeting
[41:44] - Integrity and Correction
[45:01] - Silvano's Story and God's Glory
[46:54] - Invitation to Surrender
[48:22] - Closing Prayer and Song
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Psalm 23
Bible Reading:
- Psalm 23:4
- John 10:28-29
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Observation Questions:
1. What imagery does David use in Psalm 23:4 to describe the challenges we face in life? How does this imagery relate to the experiences shared in the sermon? [21:06]
2. According to the sermon, what are the two main tools of a shepherd, and what do they symbolize in our relationship with God? [31:13]
3. How does the story of Donald Barnhouse illustrate the concept of the "valley of the shadow of death"? [10:41]
4. What role does the shepherd play when the sheep are in the valley, according to the sermon? [23:06]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the presence of God in the "valley of the shadow of death" provide comfort and strength, as discussed in the sermon? [21:06]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that God's rod and staff are active in our lives today? How do these tools help us navigate life's challenges? [31:13]
3. The sermon mentions that God never promised to remove the valleys from our lives. How does this understanding affect our expectations of God's role during difficult times? [21:06]
4. How does sharing personal stories of God's faithfulness, like Silvano's, impact both the storyteller and the listeners? [45:01]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt like you were in a "valley." How did you experience God's presence during that time, and how can you seek His presence in current or future valleys? [21:06]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of embracing God's correction. Can you identify a recent situation where you felt God was gently correcting you? How did you respond, and how might you respond differently in the future? [38:48]
3. In what ways can you actively praise God in the "gray" areas of your life, where His presence might be harder to see? Consider practical steps you can take to recognize and celebrate His activity. [38:48]
4. Think about a personal story of God's faithfulness in your life. How can you share this story with others to encourage them in their own valleys? [45:01]
5. The sermon discusses the idea of God possessing us as His cherished flock. How does this concept influence your understanding of your identity and value in God's eyes? [33:01]
6. How can you cultivate a deeper trust in God's protection and guidance, especially when facing uncertainty or fear? What specific actions can you take to strengthen this trust? [31:13]
7. Consider the role of community in walking through life's valleys. How can you support others in your small group or church community who may be experiencing their own valleys? [48:22]
Devotional
Day 1: God's Presence in Our Darkest Valleys
In the darkest moments of life, such as job loss, illness, or betrayal, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and alone. However, Psalm 23 reminds us that God is always with us, walking beside us through these valleys. The focus is not on the valley itself but on the God who accompanies us. He never promised to remove these challenges but assured us of His presence, which is our comfort and strength. This assurance allows us to face our fears, knowing that we are never alone. [21:06]
"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a current challenge you are facing. How can you invite God to walk with you through this valley today?
Day 2: The Rod and Staff of God
The imagery of the rod and staff in Psalm 23 symbolizes God's protection and guidance. The rod represents His protection against the enemy and His possession of us as His cherished flock. The staff, on the other hand, is a tool of guidance and correction, gently steering us back when we stray. Embracing God's correction is crucial, especially in the valley, as it keeps us close to Him and prevents us from wandering into danger. This dual role of protection and guidance is a source of comfort and assurance. [31:13]
"Your righteousness is like the mountains of God; your judgments are like the great deep; man and beast you save, O Lord." (Psalm 36:6, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways have you experienced God's guidance and correction recently? How can you be more open to His leading in your life?
Day 3: Praising God in the Gray Areas
In the shadowy, gray areas of life, where uncertainty looms large, we are called to praise God. Recognizing His presence and activity, even when it's hard to see, strengthens our faith and brings glory to Him. It is in these moments of uncertainty that our faith is tested and refined. By choosing to praise God, we acknowledge His sovereignty and trust in His plan, even when the path is unclear. [38:48]
"Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation." (Habakkuk 3:17-18, ESV)
Reflection: What is one uncertain area in your life where you can choose to praise God today? How might this act of faith change your perspective?
Day 4: Sharing Our Stories of God's Faithfulness
Sharing our testimonies of God's faithfulness in the valley can inspire hope and faith in others who are walking through their own dark times. Our stories, like Silvano's, bring glory to God and encourage others by showing them that they are not alone. By sharing how God has been present and active in our lives, we can offer comfort and hope to those who are struggling. [45:01]
"Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will tell what he has done for my soul." (Psalm 66:16, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a time when God was faithful to you in a difficult situation. Who can you share this story with today to encourage them?
Day 5: Experiencing God's Unfailing Love
God's love for us is unwavering, whether we are on a mountaintop or in a valley. Surrendering our lives to Him allows us to experience the fullness of His love and the blessing of walking daily with the God of the universe. His love is a constant source of strength and comfort, reminding us that we are cherished and valued. By surrendering to His love, we open ourselves to the transformative power of His presence in our lives. [46:54]
"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." (Lamentations 3:22-23, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to surrender to God's love? How can you take a step towards surrendering this area to Him today?
Quotes
1) "You know, one of the things we talk about is being a messy church for messy people. And I didn't know he was going to say this in early service. He said it to you, too, like walking in going, I'm not going to fit here. And he walked in and realized, yeah, he's a mess, and I'm a mess, and you're a mess, and you're a mess. And I'm not pointing at anybody in particular, but maybe I am because we're all a mess, right? And that God doesn't want to leave. He doesn't want to leave us in the mess. And he's got a story of God walking with him through the valley, which is going to be where we head today as we walk through Psalm 23." [00:09:01] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2) "Every one of us in this room has experienced some sort of tragedy. We've all experienced moments in our life where the shadow fell over our lives. And the color and the warmth seemed to disappear. And we were living in the shadow. We were living in the gray. We were living in the darker times. And what I want you to see today is it doesn't matter who you are, you've experienced it. You might have, you might have walked through a job loss, and you lost a job, and market's down, and you're trying to figure out what's next. And the bills are still coming, even though the paycheck's not, and the stress level rises. It's a shadowy gray place." [00:13:35] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3) "God, even in his goodness and his lovingness and his all powerfulness and his all knowingness, never told us that he was going to take the valley away. God never said, that the bad times weren't going to be there. Now, ultimately it does. Ultimately, there is heaven. Ultimately, Jesus is coming back and the broken world in which we live in is going to be reconciled and fixed. That's the promise of God. But we're not there yet. We're in the meantime, between when man broke it in Genesis in the garden to Jesus coming back and fixing it all." [00:21:06] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5) "David's walked sheep through that. He's walked through going, okay, here we go. Like this is not where we want to be today, but we've got to get through it. And he knows that there's things to be afraid of. Yet he says, I won't be afraid. I got, we got to this month do one of the great family moments we've ever gotten to do as a family. We got to take our children. because they're both in high school now, to the House of Torment in Austin, the haunted house. And some of you judging me, that's okay. I don't mind because we have fun." [00:24:30] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6) "The hand of God is more powerful than that. It is, it is the hand that envelops us. And Jesus says, hey, not in my protector, but he's possessed you, you are his. And you walk through that valley and God goes, yes, I know it's, I know it's dark. I know it's the shadow. I know it's difficult, but I'm the God in the gray. And I've got you. I'm going to protect you. And I'm going to, I'm going to hold you and I'm going to get you through it. And when I hold you in my big God hands, nobody's prying you out. I got this." [00:37:13] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7) "Sometimes you and I are our own worst enemy. And we love to see God use the rod on other people, not so much on us. We love to see God bring justice to this person who's my enemy. But God, I don't even want your correcting staff in my life. But David says, hey, that brings me comfort. Because David knows that when I'm walking through the valley, and even when I'm in the great places, when I'm walking through the valley, I certainly don't need to wander off from the shepherd's presence then." [00:37:50] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8) "here's the second thing praise God in the gray like if you're in the shadow I know it doesn't doesn't feel good but God is on the move he is the God in the gray he's there right beside you is what verse four says he's got his rod and his staff for you you praise him for that you start looking for where God is moving in the difficult times be intentional about it write it down sing it a little louder when you sing about it talk to your accountability to to help you be cognizant of speaking the truth of here's where I see God if you've got a small group that's your small group hey help me see because honestly let's be honest when you're in the valley when you're in the gray it's hard to see ask the spirit help me see where God's moving so I can give praise to the God who is walking with me alongside of me as he walks me through the valley" [00:42:18] (58 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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