Often when we go through valleys in life, they’re not of our own making. But God allows them to bring changes in our lives.
The apostle Paul, who hadn’t done anything that would bring God’s punishment, experienced what he described as a thorn in the flesh (see 2 Corinthians 12:7). In fact, this was a result of his seeing the glory of God. The Lord allowed this difficulty in his life to keep him humble.
Then there was Joseph, who, through no fault of his own, went through tremendous hardships in his life. But God allowed them.
Job is another example. It wasn’t because of his sinfulness that Job went through suffering. In reality, it was because of his righteousness.
Sometimes we go through hardships not because we’ve brought them on ourselves. Instead, we go through them because God is doing a work in our lives.
And though trials and difficulties may last for a while, they don’t last forever. In 1 Peter 1:6 we read, “So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while” (1 Peter 1:6 NLT).
When David wrote Psalm 23, he didn’t say, “Even when I crawl through the darkest valley” or “Even when I curl up and die in the darkest valley . . .” Rather, he said, “Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me” (verse 4 NLT, emphasis added). David was moving forward.
You may not be experiencing any difficulties right now. But when that day comes, Psalm 23:4 will be more precious than ever. Suddenly it will ring true as it never has before in your life. He will be with you through the valley. You don’t have to be afraid.