Valleys

Psalm 23:4 “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.”

Pastor Kyle mentioned recently that in the ups and downs of life, those downs are like walking through the valley of trouble, pain and despair. I read that there are many dark valleys mentioned in Scripture, and these typify the many sufferings and hard experiences through which the people of God must pass. Life in this fallen world, this side of eternity, is no cakewalk and “no bowl full of cherries.” Fact is: In this life, we will have troubles.

Philippians 1:29 “ For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake.”

The valley of Achor--which means "trouble"--was so named because in Joshua 7:25-26 sin in the camp of God's people had caused great defeat for their armies there. Willful sin inevitably must result eventually in a trek through the dark valley of trouble and defeat. All have sinned against the just and holy Creator God. Then there is the vale of tears called Baca, or "weeping." Opinions differ as to whether this was an actual valley in Israel, but it came to symbolize a time of deep loss and sorrow. Repentance and restitution will lead one out of the valley of Achor, but God's comfort will guide through Baca.

Psalm 84:5-7 “Blessed is the man whose strength is in You, whose heart is set on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a spring;
The rain also covers it with pools. They go from strength to strength; each one appears before God in Zion.”

Perhaps the darkest valley of all is the valley of the shadow of death. All must enter that valley once at least--some may even travel it often before its thick darkness finally conquers them. For those without Christ, it is a valley of great fear; there have been multitudes "who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage". But for those who know the Lord, they need fear no evil for God is with them. Even His guiding staff and buffeting rod are comforting for they prove the love of the Shepherd. Walk in the Spirit with no fear because of whose you are.