Walk Through The Valley

We’ve all heard of Psalm 23–if not the whole Psalm, maybe some bits of it. A well-known verse from it is “Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me.” In the simplest terms, it states that even if we are at our lowest low, we will not fear anything, because we know He is with us. 

But what does the phrase walk through the valley exactly mean?

For me, valleys are the trials, suffering, or challenges that we face in life. This could mean losing a job, getting sick, among other various burdens. See, this is what I love about this phrase, it says WALK. Not mope, not wait, not stay. I love how Bo Sanchez expounded on it: we don’t stay in the valley, we don’t sulk in the valley, we WALK through the valley.

Walking is a verb. It’s an action word–it’s putting one foot in front of the other until you’re at where you want to be. As Winnie the Pooh wonderfully put it, “I always get to where I’m going by walking away from where I’ve been.”

For many of us, we choose to not face our problems. Sometimes we don’t address that we have something that needs fixing, we even turn away from them. It’s funny how we can run in the other direction of our problems, but we can’t seem to take one small step towards facing it, and walking through it. We even go as far as lying to ourselves by saying that we’re okay, that we’re fine–but the truth is, we’re already drowning in the situation. 

It’s hard to admit that we’re weak, that we’re not okay, that we’re human, but that is where God’s grace comes in. Through the cracks of our flaws and insecurities and problems. That’s where His grace shines the most.

The crazy part is, not a lot of people are willing to step out, to face their problems. Why? Because it’s easier to stay, to not take action. The disturbing truth is that more people are willing to stay in the darkness rather than to seek the light.

But Jesus said: Take up your mat, and walk. Walk.

It’s not going to be easy. You’re going to stumble. You’re going to fail. It’s a hard pill to swallow, but this is where God comes in. Where His grace pours through you, sins and all. It’s where He rescues you. 

God’s got you. He’s gonna be there in your highest triumph, He’s gonna be there in your lowest moment. 

Do you want to get away from the valley of shadow and death? Walk with Him, towards the light.

It’s not gonna be a pretty, straight road. It’s going to be a rocky, dirt path. It’s a journey, you see, and the great thing about this is that He is with you. It’s such a mind-bending, all-encompassing truth–that the God of all nations and the King of all kings, is there with you, right now, in whatever season you are in, in whatever step you’re taking in your path. 

Can you believe that? There might be days it’s a little hard to believe, but that’s okay. Those days are meant to strengthen your faith.

Whenever doubt and fear strike me, He strengthens me and reminds me of His promise. 

And with that, I walk. It might be a long walk. It might take some time. But I know He’s with me, I know that He will see to it, because He who began a good work in me, will carry it to completion. My healing may not come in an instant, it may take months or even years, but I will keep walking and walking and walking. Somewhere out there is the light, and even here in the shadow, I know that He’s with me. 

God didn’t make this world filled with just valleys, did He? One thing is for sure: He won’t ever leave you or forsake you, He will never give up on you. Take comfort in His power and greatness. Bask in His love. 

God is good, all the time, and His power is made perfect in your weakness. Let Him carry the yoke with you. 

Keep walking, my friend. There is a light.

Be blessed,

Alpha

December 31, 2018