God Is There in Your Darkest Valley

by Rick Warren — January 31, 2019

“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” (Psalm 23:4 NLT).

What things are you worried about? The economy? Your health? Your bills? Your kids? Are you worried about the future? You can find lots of reasons to be afraid in today’s world, but God promises that even in your darkest valleys, he is walking beside you.

There are about 365 verses in the Bible that say, “Fear not.” God provided us with one “fear not” message for every day of the year! Perhaps God is saying, “Get the message. Don’t be afraid.” It’s interesting that almost every time God talks to someone in the Bible, the first thing he says is, “Don’t be afraid!”

Why? Because our hurts and hang-ups can often cause us to think that God is out to get us, that all he wants to do is condemn us and punish us. But that simply isn’t true, and Jesus is the proof of that.

When we understand God’s grace and mercy, we have no need to fear the future. God isn’t trying to get even with you. Jesus has taken the penalty for everything you’ve ever done wrong or will do wrong. He paid for it on the cross. So when a bad thing happens, you don’t have to think that God’s getting even with you; instead, remember this: “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” (Psalm 23:4 NLT).

Talk It Over

  • What things tend to worry you? How can you respond in faith to these worries?
  • Why do people sometimes think that God is out to get them? How does today’s verse help you see that isn’t true?
  • When God speaks to someone in the Bible, why do you think he often says, “Don’t be afraid”?

Give hope, prayer, and encouragement below. Post a comment & talk about it.