Psalm 23:4a Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.

Our Shepherd knows all of this when He leads us through the valleys. He knows where we can find strength and sustenance and gentle grazing despite every threat of disaster about us. 

It is a most reassuring and reinforcing experience to the child of God to discover that there is, even in the dark valley, a source of strength and courage to be found in God. It is when he can look back over life and see how the Shepherd’s hand has guided and sustained him in the darkest hours that renewed faith is engendered. – A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 by W. Phillip Keller, Pg. 107

Beautifully stated! The hand of our Good Shepherd will always guide and sustain us in our darkest hours. He says in Hebrews 13:5b, “He will never leave nor forsake us”. Whatever situations we may find ourselves in whether it’s a financial hardship, the loss of a job due to budget cuts/reorganization, the sudden death of a love one, heartache/disappointment, illness, and/or relationship/marital issues, we can rest assure that the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, the King of kings, and the Lord of lords is with us. We are not alone! Although the storms may be raging all around us and the waves may beat violently against the ship, it’s unsinkable because Jesus, our Captain is at the wheel and He will protect and guide us safely to the other side. He will also give us His peace in the midst of our trials while comforting our hearts and providing His strength for us to endure and not lose heart. Faithful, Unchanging, Everlasting to Everlasting, the Rock of Ages, He stays the same. Let’s Trust, Abide, and Rest in Him always!

Isaiah 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

All of this multiplies my confidence in Christ. It is this spiritual, as well as emotional and mental, exposure to the storms and adversities of life that puts stamina into my very being. Because He has led me through without fear before, He can do it again, and again, and again. In this knowledge fear fades and tranquility of heart and mind takes its place.

The person with a powerful confidence in Christ; the one who has proved by past experience that God is with him in adversity; the one who walks through life’s dark valleys without fear, his head held high, is the one who in turn is a tower of strength and a source of inspiration to his companions. – A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 by W. Phillip Keller, Pgs. 107 – 108