DON'T FEAR THE VALLEY!!

Yea, 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 (NKJV)

We are reaching the halfway point of 2014 and things have not turned out the way some of us expected. For some the road to reaching our goals have been smooth, productive and led to great opportunities. Yet for others things appear to be falling apart. Things that were once fruitful seem to have dried up, relationships that were once healthy are now dysfunctional. It seems as if while you were walking on the path to the road of a fulfilled, productive & happy life the path just changed without notice and you were left standing in the middle of a barren land with no direction and waning faith.

What do you do when your standing in unknown territory surrounded by frustrating and almost debilitating circumstances? You trust that God knows exactly where you are, what your facing and what you stand in need of.

This scripture provides such a wealth of assurance on how to handle the dryness of these valley experiences.

First, we must remember that no matter how harsh, painful, or near death the valley appears; it has no real power to destroy you. The scripture says Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death. We must know that shadows only give off appearance of what it surrounds. Though things may feel like they are falling to pieces with no hope of restoration all around you, this valley doesn't have any power to destroy you.

Second your time in the valley is temporary. Yea, though I walk through. We are encouraged from the onset that this season is not a lifetime experience. But a temporary walk through. No matter how long the season last it's only a season.

Lastly we can take courage because the greatest Power that has ever existed is with you, leading and guiding you through. You don't have to rest on your emotions or intellect to get you through nor do you have to wonder or be fearful of what lies ahead. Know that as God leads you through He is protecting you. It doesn't mean you won't get bruised or hurt following Him, but rest assured knowing He is there to comfort you when you do.