Day 136: Psalm 23- Welcome the Valley

1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 3 He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
 
4 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. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
 
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
 
Meditation
Recently a friend articulated how they were down, in a valley of life, discouraged. This season has led many to despair, but what if Christians should welcome valleys, difficult seasons, seeing them as an opportunity to know God and to become more fruitful for Him?
 
Psalm 23 is by a shepherd who becomes a king and teaches us about a King who is our shepherd. Our Good Shepherd leads the flock of God to green pastures for His name’s sake.
 
Pastures do not grow on mountaintops.  Green growth happens in valleys. Do you welcome valleys? Most do not welcome valleys because shadows cast by mountains blocking the sun can darken our days and ways. But the Lord is with us in the shadows, darkness, and death. He meets His people in valleys and we need not fear. His authority, His rod and staff, will turn darkness to light and bring life from death. He will comfort. God’s presence transforms valleys for life.
 
Our Shepherd is our host, welcoming us to feast on His faithfulness, even in the presence of our enemies. Sometimes our enemies are circumstances, personal sin struggles, poor mentalities, or other people. Every time our Heavenly host anoints us and fills our cups to overflowing.
 
The sheep dogs of the shepherd, His goodness and mercy, will continue to follow, driving us to dwell in the Lord’s presence. The warm welcome of our shepherd King forms our hearts, fills our cups, and firms our steps.  And all this happens in the valleys of life. Welcome the valleys.
 
Richly Dwelling
-Re-read Psalm 23 with a valley-welcoming perspective. What stands out to you in a fresh way?
 
-What stands out to you about the description of the Shepherd? How do these descriptions point to or reveal our true Shepherd, Jesus Christ? (John 10:1-10)
 
-Jesus entered the valley of death so we can experience life in the valley. How can you welcome the valley you are in right now, focusing on the shepherd and understanding it is in the valley where things grow?
 
Key Verse
1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.