Walking Through The Valley Of Despair
This is the second devotion in the Walking By Faith devotional series here on the blog. In today’s devotion, we’re going to explore how we walk by faith when we go through the valleys of life. Today’s focus verse is an encouragement to keep us believing in God’s presence and care in our lives.
Walking Through The Valley Of Despair
Focus Verse
“Even 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.” – Psalm 23:4
Devotion
This Bible focus verse may seem strange in a devotion about walking by faith, but hear me out. (Or read me out!)
In life, we’ll go through moments where we walk through the valley of despair. Be it the death of a loved one, the loss of something we held dear, or a life tragedy. And it’s precisely in those moments that we will need to walk by faith – in the full assurance that God is with us and that He is our shepherd. The psalmist even says that the reason he fears no evil is that God is with him and His staff and rod comfort him.
Perhaps you’re wondering what a rod and staff have to do with anything. Well, a shepherd would use a rod to protect the sheep from wild animals, count the sheep and direct them (to the field in the day and to the sheepfold at night).
The shepherd’s staff, similarly, was also used to firmly pull the sheep back to the fold when they wandered off and to keep the sheep moving in the right direction. The shepherd could also use the crook of the staff to pull the sheep away from harm.
Interestingly, the psalmist actually took comfort in the fact that God was not only with Him, but would also protect Him from both misdirection and harm.
Just like the psalmist, we can take great comfort in the fact that God is our shepherd. He will keep us from falling in the pit, He will direct us back to where we need to go, as we trust in Him.
Questions for reflection
- What areas of your life have seemed unbearable or difficult lately?
- How does knowing God is your ever-present shepherd give you faith for walking through these hard times?
- What can you teach your children based on today’s devotion?
Prayer
Thank You, Lord, that You are always with me! Thank You that even as I go through this dark season, I can trust You will protect me and direct me. May I stay close to You, Lord. May I walk by faith in the full assurance that You are with me and You will protect me. Amen!
