"Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff- they comfort me." -Psalm 23:4 NRSV
Our darkest valleys can be divorce, a negative report from the doctor, a job loss, the disappointments of a wayward child, or the unexpected death of a loved one. It could be any number of things. So what are some strategies for walking THROUGH the darkest valley?
1. Take heart. Do not be afraid. (2 Timothy 1:7)
When you study 2 Timothy 1:7 in the Aramaic you find that the word for self-discipline or sound mind can also be translated as revelation light or instruction. It is this revelation light or instruction that lights our paths to walk through the darkest valley.
2. Remember, you are not alone in your suffering.
You have:
• The presence of Christ (Matt. 28:20)
• The prayers of other believers (2 Tim. 1:3)
• The “fellowship of suffering”—other believers who are facing hardships for the sake of Christ (2 Tim. 1:8; Heb. 13:3; Col. 1:24).
3. Be assured the Good Shepherd defends and fights for you even in the darkest valley. (Psalm 23:4)
Rods were sometimes used as weapons of defense or offense.
4. Keep in mind, the Chief Shepherd is sovereign. (Psalm 23:4; Matthew 28:18)
The staff is symbolic of the Chief Shepherd’s sovereignty and authority.
5. Bear in mind, suffering is sometimes permitted so that God may be glorified. (2 Tim. 2:8–9; John 9:3) The Apostle Paul said he was willing to suffer for the proclamation of the Gospel, for the sake of the elect, and for the glory of God. Our suffering, big or little, can be used to bring about the same purposes.
6. Remember, you are not a prisoner of your circumstances. (2 Tim. 1:8)
7. Trust what you saw in the light when darkness surrounds you. (2 Corinthians 5:7)
8. Stay the course. (Romans 12:12; Colossians 1:11-12; Galatians 6:9)
Persevere, stay the course, and be faithful, regardless of any opposition or hardship.
9. Stay focused on God and do not allow the Adversary to use discouragement, depression, and isolation as an open door to devour you. (1 Peter 5:8-9)
The implication in the context of verse 8 is that if you do not bring your worries and cares to God, the devil will use depression and discouragement to devour you. Just as lions go after the feeble, the young, and the stragglers, so the enemy of our souls will always seek out those who are isolated, alone, or depressed to devour them
10. Revisit your faith files. (Revelation 12:11)
Be quick to praise God and testify to others
11. Rely on the resources God has given you:
• The power of God (rather than your own strength) (2 Tim. 1:8; Phil. 2:13; Eph. 6:10).
• The indwelling Holy Spirit (2 Tim. 1:14).
• The Word of God, which will keep you grounded and give you perspective (2 Tim. 2:7, 9; 3:12-17; 4:1-2).
12. Trust the truth of Scripture.
The Truth is:
• All wrongs will one day be righted (2 Tim. 3:8-9; 4:14).
• The Lord will deliver you from all evil—in His time and way (2 Tim. 4:17-18). In the meantime, counsel your heart according to the truth and promises of God (Psalm 27).
• All your suffering, efforts, labors, and faithfulness will be rewarded in “that Day” when believers stand before the Lord (2 Tim. 1:12, 18; 2:12; 4:8; Phil. 1:6, 10; 2:16; James 1:12).
• You will give an account, so guard the “deposit” entrusted to you (2 Tim. 1:12, 14; 1 Tim. 6:20).
13. In all your suffering, remember Jesus Christ.
Remember:
• His life and His suffering and sacrifice for you (2 Tim. 2:3)
• His triumph over Satan, sin, and death (2 Tim. 2:8)
• His power, promises, and presence (Matt. 28:18-20)
• What He is doing for you in heaven (John 14:2-3; Rom. 8:34).
When you study 2 Timothy 1:7 in the Aramaic you find that the word for self-discipline or sound mind can also be translated as revelation light or instruction. It is this revelation light or instruction that lights our paths to walk through the darkest valley.
2. Remember, you are not alone in your suffering.
You have:
• The presence of Christ (Matt. 28:20)
• The prayers of other believers (2 Tim. 1:3)
• The “fellowship of suffering”—other believers who are facing hardships for the sake of Christ (2 Tim. 1:8; Heb. 13:3; Col. 1:24).
3. Be assured the Good Shepherd defends and fights for you even in the darkest valley. (Psalm 23:4)
Rods were sometimes used as weapons of defense or offense.
4. Keep in mind, the Chief Shepherd is sovereign. (Psalm 23:4; Matthew 28:18)
The staff is symbolic of the Chief Shepherd’s sovereignty and authority.
5. Bear in mind, suffering is sometimes permitted so that God may be glorified. (2 Tim. 2:8–9; John 9:3) The Apostle Paul said he was willing to suffer for the proclamation of the Gospel, for the sake of the elect, and for the glory of God. Our suffering, big or little, can be used to bring about the same purposes.
6. Remember, you are not a prisoner of your circumstances. (2 Tim. 1:8)
7. Trust what you saw in the light when darkness surrounds you. (2 Corinthians 5:7)
8. Stay the course. (Romans 12:12; Colossians 1:11-12; Galatians 6:9)
Persevere, stay the course, and be faithful, regardless of any opposition or hardship.
9. Stay focused on God and do not allow the Adversary to use discouragement, depression, and isolation as an open door to devour you. (1 Peter 5:8-9)
The implication in the context of verse 8 is that if you do not bring your worries and cares to God, the devil will use depression and discouragement to devour you. Just as lions go after the feeble, the young, and the stragglers, so the enemy of our souls will always seek out those who are isolated, alone, or depressed to devour them
10. Revisit your faith files. (Revelation 12:11)
Be quick to praise God and testify to others
11. Rely on the resources God has given you:
• The power of God (rather than your own strength) (2 Tim. 1:8; Phil. 2:13; Eph. 6:10).
• The indwelling Holy Spirit (2 Tim. 1:14).
• The Word of God, which will keep you grounded and give you perspective (2 Tim. 2:7, 9; 3:12-17; 4:1-2).
12. Trust the truth of Scripture.
The Truth is:
• All wrongs will one day be righted (2 Tim. 3:8-9; 4:14).
• The Lord will deliver you from all evil—in His time and way (2 Tim. 4:17-18). In the meantime, counsel your heart according to the truth and promises of God (Psalm 27).
• All your suffering, efforts, labors, and faithfulness will be rewarded in “that Day” when believers stand before the Lord (2 Tim. 1:12, 18; 2:12; 4:8; Phil. 1:6, 10; 2:16; James 1:12).
• You will give an account, so guard the “deposit” entrusted to you (2 Tim. 1:12, 14; 1 Tim. 6:20).
13. In all your suffering, remember Jesus Christ.
Remember:
• His life and His suffering and sacrifice for you (2 Tim. 2:3)
• His triumph over Satan, sin, and death (2 Tim. 2:8)
• His power, promises, and presence (Matt. 28:18-20)
• What He is doing for you in heaven (John 14:2-3; Rom. 8:34).
Amen, a great word and study for this morning. Jesus knows all about our struggles. There's not a friend like him. No not one.
ReplyDeleteGOD is Good!! This post reminds me that there are lessons to learn in every season of life. It confirms His word that all things together for our good because we love GOD and are the called according to His purpose.
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