Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;

(Psalm 23:4a NKJV)

I experienced the worst year of my life fifteen years ago, in 2006. I kept my mom in her home as long as possible, but as her dementia worsened, she required a skilled nursing facility. Dementia robs the patient of their memory, beginning with short-term memories until they forget how to feed themselves. It robs the family of their loved one long before they leave this world.

The valley of 2006 also included a wayward daughter, and I slipped into a deep depression.

Each year, the shepherd leads his flock through the dark valley, the only route to higher ground. Christians might not travel through valleys annually. Sometimes, we make that treacherous journey more often.

The only way to reach the mountaintop is through the valley.

Before leading his flock to the mountaintop, the shepherd makes the trip alone. He removes potential dangers such as poisonous plants, but he can’t eliminate everything. Rockslides, floods, and predators lurk among the cliffs.

We desire to speed up our dark route, but notice we walk through the valley. We don’t run through it.  During our hike, we will receive some blessings amidst the despair.

A valley provides refreshing water for the sheep. Our good shepherd, Jesus, offers us that same refreshment as we drink in the living water. Valleys also make great grazing grounds for the flock. While we travel through the valleys of life, we maintain our strength by grazing upon the Word of God.

Three years later, my mom passed through the shadow of the valley of death. A shadow, not an end. She took her last breath on earth, but she took her next one in heaven. Perfect memory. Perfect knowledge. Relief washed over me since I no longer had to watch her suffer. My grief began years earlier when she slipped away from the vital woman she once was. My shepherd walked through that valley with both of us. It ended as my mom and I reached two different mountaintops.

Are you on that journey today? Drink in the refreshment that only comes from the painful crevices of life.  Allow the Word to nourish you, and know your good shepherd walks beside you each step of the way.

Lord Jesus, You are my living water as I travel paths I’d rather not travel. Refresh me as I graze upon Your Word. Thank You for Walking with me and for the mountaintop we will reach. Amen.

DIG DEEPER

Blessed are those who mourn,
For they shall be comforted. (Matthew 5:4 NKJV)

HIKING THE TRAIL

As you travel through the valley, how can you concentrate more on the refreshment of Jesus and the nourishment of Scripture?

RELATED RESOURCE

Would you like a taste of encouragement as you travel through the valley? I’ve compiled thirty devotionals just for the valley seasons: Overcoming the Overwhelming: Walking in Victorious Faith When You Don’t Feel Victorious. Learn more here.

Originally posted on September 20, 2021 @ 3:00 am