My parents recently heard a really great sermon at their church and shared with me that I should listen to it online. A few days later I did just that and it was an encouraging message.

Their pastor was talking about Psalm 23 – a psalm that most of us are likely familiar with. If you’re not, please see it below.

One common verse in this passage is: “Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me.”

The pastor commented that the valley is just that – a valley. Not the entire path, but a portion of it. That we walk THROUGH that portion of the road. We’re not meant to stay in the valley, but to bravely and courageously walk through it, confidently even, as we have the Lord of the universe close beside us.

This is so applicable to all of us – those of us in the valleys can take heart knowing that this too shall pass. Those of us on the mountaintops can tuck this away for when the road will inevitably start descending and the valley will be the next leg of our journey. We are created to walk with God for the entire road and He is with us the whole time.

Psalm 23

A psalm of David.

¹ The Lord is my shepherd;
I have all that I need.
² He lets me rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams.
³ He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.
⁴ Even when I walk
through the darkest valley,^[a]
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me.
⁵ You prepare a feast for me
in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
⁶ Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord
forever.