The Valley

 

If you have done much reading of Psalms or know much about David's life you would assume that he struggled with depression. One minute he was praising the Lord and the next he was in despair. I can really relate to David. I have been thinking about this Psalm for the last few days. The Bible talks a lot about God being the shepherd and we are the sheep. Sheep are not the smartest animals in the world. And as humans we are not all ways the smartest either. It's comforting to know that God leads us. David in the first few verses tells us that God leads us in the good times and the bad. The last couple of days I have been feeling like I am walking in the Valley. God's rod and staff will protect and comfort me while I am in the Valley. When I walk in times of the valley there are dangers all around me. Temptations loom in ever corner. Paul tells us that we do not wrestle with flesh and blood but with if you will the dark side. Satan knows what buttons to push when I am in a valley time of life. If I cling to the Lord He will comfort me in this time. I see in the last half of this verse if I hold tight to the Lord in my Valley I will come out better. His goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life. Life is not all ways easy. And for me it is hard some times to know what God wants me to do or to go. But I know if I draw near to Him He will draw near to me. This morning my whole body hurts like I got hit by a truck. I am still in my  valley, but if I hold onto Him I will get through this time

A Psalm of David.

23 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
²     He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.^[a]
3     He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness^[b]
    for his name's sake.

⁴ Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,^[c]
    I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
    your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me.

⁵ You prepare a table before me
    in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
    my cup overflows.
⁶ Surely^[d] goodness and mercy^[e] shall follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell^[f] in the house of the Lord forever

 

Keep walking!