The Good Shepherd’s

Presence - Valleys

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.

Even in our darkest valleys and darkest days, God is

there.

4 Facts About Valleys In Life

1. Valleys are inevitable.

John 16:33

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.

4 Facts About Valleys In Life

1. Valleys are inevitable.2. Valleys are unpredictable.

Jeremiah 4:20

Disaster follows disaster; the whole land lies in ruins. In an instant my tents are destroyed, my shelter in a moment.

4 Facts About Valleys In Life

1. Valleys are inevitable.2. Valleys are unpredictable.

3. Valleys are temporary.

2 Corinthians 4:17For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.

1 Peter 1:6In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.

4 Facts About Valleys In Life

1. Valleys are inevitable.2. Valleys are unpredictable.

3. Valleys are temporary.4. Valleys are beneficial.

1 Peter 1:7These have come so that your faith – of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire – may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

James 1:2-3Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.

James 1:4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

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.

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.

Isaiah 43:2When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.

Ps. 23 – Change in Language

1st Part – all pronouns in 3rd person. (He talks about God.)

2nd Part – pronouns are in 2nd person. (He talks to God.)

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 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. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 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. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Shadows…

1. Are usually bigger than reality.

2. Cannot hurt us.

3. Indicate there is light somewhere.

Psalm 34:18

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Psalm 34:19

A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all.

For Christians, the difference in life is not the absence of

shadows, but the presence of the Shepherd!