WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26
“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 (ESV)
VALLEYS ARE TEMPORARY
A little boy is on the beach. On his knees he scoops and packs the sand with plastic shovels into a bright red bucket. Then he upends the bucket on the surface and lifts it. And, to the delight of the little architect, a castle tower is created. All afternoon he will work. Spooning out the moat. Packing the walls. Bottle tops will be sentries. Popsicle sticks will be bridges. A sandcastle will be built. As the waves near, the wise child jumps to his feet and begins to clap. There is no sorrow. No fear. No regret. He knew this would happen. He is not surprised. And when the great breaker crashes into his castle and his masterpiece is sucked into the sea, he smiles. He smiles, picks up his tools, takes his father’s hand, and goes home. (from Chicken Soup for the Ocean Lover’s Soul)
Sandcastles are temporary and so are dark valleys. The Psalmist walked through the valley but didn’t stay in the valley. We will all walk through valleys, but our Good Shepherd will not leave us in the valleys permanently.
Reflection
Mike shared John 16:33 on Sunday where Jesus said, “I have said these things to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” How have you experienced God helping you overcome a dark valley that felt like it would never end?
Praise
Thank God that compared to our eternal rewards in heaven, the trials we go through here on earth are light and short.
