Shadow Valley

Sermon Notes

[Psalm 23:1-6 ESV] 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.

There WILL be always be valleys in LIFE.

We can find comfort in the fact that we are never ALONE.

You can be FEARLESS in the valley.

[Psalm 46:1 ESV] God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

A SHADOW only momentarily blocks the LIGHT.

[1 Corinthians 15:55-56] O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?" [56] For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power.

God IS IN the valleys.

[Romans 8:31] What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us?

The rod and staff shows God's PROTECTION and GUIDANCE. 

[Deuteronomy 31:6] So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the LORD your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you."