Through the Valley of the Shadow of Death

Have you ever really thought deeply about this verse from Psalm 23?  There are many ways to look at this verse.  What does it mean to go through something?  Well, for starters it means that you will not be stuck there forever.  This thought is very helpful as it brings comfort and hope to the one in the valley.  Second, it means that you will experience valley times that will feel like death is about to swallow you.  But because you are going through death has no hold on you. 

The whole verse reads "Yea, though I walk through the valley of hte shadow of death..." (Ps 23: 4a KJV).  When we are walking some trips seem to take forever and we wonder if they will never end.  But they do.  And so too will the journey through the valley.  But as we walk through, we need to ask ourselves, "What is the lesson or message God wants me to learn or at the very least hear or experience?"

A person can never rush a journey when they are walking, they will only tire themselves out and have to remain in that place longer than they need to or want to.  A slow steady pace is what is required for someone to move through the valley.  Keep focused the destination and you will get through, with the Lord's help.

Blessings, Becky

Insights and Random Thoughts

It has been longer than I thought since my last post.  I have been on an emotional roller coaster over these past few months as I have adjusted to living in a parsonage without my husband.  He has had to remain at our home so as to continue farming.  This has caused me quite a bit of consternation and trepidation.

As I have become more comfortable with this new living arrangement, other issues have come to the fore.  Issues that I have had to deal with and am still dealing with.  But God never promised that life as a Christian would be free of problems and issues, he only promises to "walk with us through the valley of the shadow of death." (Paraphrase from Psalm 23) 

I have come to realize that every time I experience a season of upset, discomfort and introspection I am walking through the valley of the shadow of death.  Often when I look back I see that I have become a better person for all that I have been through.  That each time, I emerge from that valley a bit lighter and a better person because something that needed to die in me has done so.

It is not an easy process walking through the valley and sometimes I remain in the valley a long time.  But I always know that I have God right there with me, just a thought, just a prayer, just a call away.  He is there waiting for me to surrender my will to his so he can continue to help me become all that he has planned for me to be.

Blessings, Becky