Walking through the darkest valley
Most Christians are familiar with Psalm 23. It is quoted in songs and on greeting cards. It is comforting and uplifting.
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, 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 your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. (Psalm 23 NIV, emphasis mine)
My minister pointed out the fact God does not leave us in the middle of our tribulations. He’s there to bring us through our struggles and challenges with purpose.
There are a number of examples in the Bible where God led His people through trials:
Genesis
God brought Joseph to a position of influence through hardships of betrayal, slavery, and imprisonment. (Genesis 37–50)
Exodus
God led the Israelites through what looked like an impossible escape from Egypt. (Exodus 14:13–31)
Daniel
God entered the fiery furnace and preserved Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego within it. (Daniel 3:16–28)
Job
God restored Job’s fortunes and blessed him greatly after he’d lost his health, wealth, and family. (Job 1–42)
These Bible stories (and many more not mentioned here) illustrate that God often allows His people to go through difficulties but assures us of His presence and guidance through every trial.
He will never abandon us. Each struggle becomes a testament to God’s faithfulness. I can personally attest to this as God has been with me during my own struggles and has brought me through with a stronger faith.
When faced with trials, take comfort in these Bible accounts where God reaffirmed His faithfulness over and over again. And take solace in the poetic image of God as the Great Shepherd in Psalm 23.