The Dark Valleys
Scripture Reading:
Psalms 23
6 verses, each describing the work of a true shepherd (provision –
protection –
John 10;
6 times “Shepherd” is used to speak of what the Lord would be for those
who follow Him).
Dark Valleys –
A treacherous place where the guiding hand of a Shepherd would be
extremely helpful to sheep in order to pass safely through!
There are many dark valleys
mentioned in Scripture, and these typify the many sufferings and hard
experiences through which the people of God must pass.
Philippians 1:29
The valley of Achor
-- which means "trouble"--was so
named because sin in the camp of God's people had caused great defeat for
their armies there -
Joshua 7:25-26.
Willful sin inevitably must result eventually in a trek through the dark
vale of trouble and defeat.
Psalm 84:5-7
Then there is the vale of tears
called Baca, or "weeping."
Opinions differ as to whether this was an actual valley in Israel, but it
came to symbolize a time of deep loss and sorrow. Repentance and
righteousness will lead one out of the valley of Achor, but God's comfort
will guide through Baca (trust).
Perhaps the darkest valley of all is the valley of the shadow of death. All
must enter that valley once at least--some may even travel it often before
its thick darkness finally conquers them.
For those without Christ, it is a
valley of great fear; there have been multitudes in this state -
Hebrews 2:15.