Dark Days in Deep Valleys

Living Aligned With God’s Design 

Dark Days In Deep Valleys 

1 Peter 1:6-7

“All sunshine and no rain makes a desert” Arab Proverb

“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)

God does some of His best work in deep valleys and dark places!

Five Facts about the Valleys of Life

1. Valleys are Inevitable

“Man who is born of a woman is few of days and full of trouble.” (Job 14:1, ESV)

“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.” (John 16:33, ESV)

It is not a matter of If, but When

2. Valleys are often Unpredictable

“For man does not know his time. Like fish that are taken in an evil net, and like birds that are caught in a snare, so the children of man are snared at an evil time, when it suddenly falls upon them.” (Ecclesiastes 9:12, ESV)

3. Valleys are Impartial

“For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” (Matthew 5:45, ESV)

4. Valleys are Temporary (1 Peter 1:6)

“For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,” (2 Corinthians 4:17, ESV)

5. Valleys are Purposeful

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” (James 1:2–4, ESV)

• God has a Purpose in every problem
• Deep Faith is built in deep valleys (1 Peter 1:6-7)

What Do You Do When You Walk Through Dark Days In Deep Valleys?

1. Refuse to be discouraged (1 Peter 1:6)

“so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;” (Colossians 1:10, ESV)

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,” (James 1:2, ESV)

This implies a Decision/Choice

2. Remember that God is with me

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.” (Isaiah 43:2, ESV)

“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)

3. Rely on God’s protection and guidance

Rod – A club used to fend off wild beasts
Staff (crook) – Used to guide, control and rescue

Things To Remember About Shadows:

• They are often Bigger than the reality
• They cannot Hurt You
• There is not shadow without a Light somewhere

Believers go through valleys like everyone else.  The difference for Christians is not the absence of the shadow, but the presence of the Shepherd! 

4. Recognize God’s refining process

“Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tried you in the furnace of affliction.” (Isaiah 48:10, ESV)

“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12, ESV)

5. Resolve to honor and glorify God

“Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.” (1 Peter 4:16, ESV)

“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31, ESV)-

God does some of His best work in deep valleys and dark places!

Making It Personal

• Have I genuinely aligned my life with God’s design through repenting of my sin and placing my faith in Christ alone as the forgiver of my sin and the leader and Lord of my life?
• How have I handled dark days in deep valleys in the past? What can I learn from these experiences?  Things to be repeated?  Things to change or develop?
•  How can I prepare today for the inevitable dark days and deep valleys that I may encounter in my life? What truths can I focus on?  What resources can I access?
• Whatever my circumstances are today, how can I glorify and honor God in my current situation?
• Who can I share these truths with?

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