At my sister’s funeral several years ago, the minister at the graveside talked about walking through the valley of the shadow of death. He said we would all be walking that valley as we grieved the loss of her life. But he reminded us that the God of all hope would be with us and leading the way.

Both Eva and I recently attended funerals. It seems a walk through a valley, of varying degrees, is something a lot of us face from time to time. In the valley, there may not be anticipation about the future. It seems like life is unraveling. We struggle with the knots of difficult questions. Seen from here below, the fabric of life seems dark.

The following thoughts are taken from chapter 7 in A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 by W. Phillip Keller.

Both in Palestine and on our western sheep ranches, efficient sheep men take their flocks to higher ground and distant ranges in the summer. The sheep move along slowly, working their way up behind the receding snow line. By late summer, they are in the alpine meadows above timberline. Here the flock is alone with the shepherd. They have his most personal attention day and night. Remember this scene is set against a dramatic background of wild mountains, rushing rivers, steep gorges, alpine wildflowers and high rangelands.

The best route to the top is along the valleys, ravines, gulches and draws. There are reasons why sheep are taken to the mountaintops by way of the valleys. It is the gentlest and easiest path. Here one finds refreshing water all along the way. In the valleys grow the richest grass and best forage. There is protection from sweeping storms under the towering cliffs.

In Christian life, we often long for higher ground with God. We want a more intimate walk, a mountain top experience, a sublime peace. We think maybe we can be “air-lifted” onto higher ground. This is not so. As with ordinary sheep management, so is our walk with God.

The Psalmist says it’s a walk through. None of us stop in the valley of the shadow of death. Even the dying pass through to higher ground. We need not fear, He is with us. The dark difficult days, though they be shadowed valleys, need not be disasters. They are the road to higher ground. The ways of God lead upward through the valleys of our lives.

Our Shepherd knows all of this when He leads us through the valleys. Unless one has gone through such an experience, it is difficult to believe that we can be repeatedly refreshed and restored despite the trying circumstances. We find refreshment in God Himself. I know of nothing which so stimulates my faith in my heavenly Father as to look back and reflect on His faithfulness to me in every crisis and every chilling circumstance of life. I know that only through valleys can I possibly travel to higher ground with God. In this way, I am blessed and become a benediction to others around me who may live in fear.

The Lord's my shepherd, I'll not want
He makes me down to lie'
In pastures green He leadeth me 
The quiet waters by.

My soul He doth restore again 
And me to walk doth make
Within the paths of righteousness
E'en for His own name's sake.

Yea, though I walk in death's dark vale
Yet will I fear none ill,
For thou are with me and thy rod
And staff me comfort still. 

My table thou hast furnished 
In presence of my foes;
My head thou dost with oil anoint 
And my cup overflows.

Goodness and mercy all my life
Shall surely follow me,
And in God's house forevermore
My dwelling place shall be.

And in God's house forevermore
My dwelling place shall be!
  --Based on Psalm 23, from Scottish Psalter, 1650

When you read the poem above, which tune comes to your mind? I know of three: #30 in Christian Endeavor 2, #18 and #28 in Christian Endeavor 3. What ‘comforting’ books have helped you? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Let’s help each other through the valleys.

–Liz