By Andrew Williams
Series: The Living Gospel (Week 1: Uncovering Your Narrative)
Opening Prayer
Good Shepherd, thank You for walking with us through the darkest valleys. Help us to see Your faithfulness in every shadow and every step.
Today’s Scripture (NLT)
Psalm 23:4
“Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.”
A powerful testimony is not one that is free from pain. Often, it is one that shows God’s presence in the midst of pain. The hard chapters of our lives—the seasons of loss, illness, doubt, or failure—are not interruptions to our story; they are often where God’s faithfulness shines most brightly.
David doesn’t say he will bypass the “darkest valley”; he says he will “walk through” it. The promise is not immunity from hardship, but God’s intimate presence in the hardship. “You are close beside me.” This is the golden thread we can trace back through every difficult season of our lives.
Looking back, you can see how His “rod” (His guidance and correction) and His “staff” (His support and rescue) were there protecting and comforting you, even when you didn’t feel it. Incorporating these moments into your story shows that God is not just a God of the mountaintops, but a faithful companion in the valleys. This makes your hope relatable and real to a hurting world.
Disciples’ Life Tip: Think of one of the most difficult seasons of your life. Instead of focusing on the pain, ask God to help you see the “golden thread.” Where was His presence? How did He protect you? How did He comfort you? Thank Him for His faithfulness in that valley.
Closing Prayer: Father, thank You that You never waste my pain. Help me to see every past trial as a testament to Your faithfulness, a powerful chapter in the story You are writing with my life. Amen.
