The health was deteriorating and the economc streams were drying out.
Relationships that were dependable take a turn for the unusual. Familiar structures that provided a sense of security are turned upside down.
In the midst of that, there is still the call to hold on and walk on as the Good Shepherd leads you.
It feels as though He is not there, though. While others are thriving and speaking of the goodness of the Lord, it’s like you’re not experiencing any of that. You learn to be grateful for the chance to breathe, but even that is a struggle sometimes. You look into yourself and wonder if there are things that you’re not doing or should not be doing. You wonder if there’s something that you’ve done to put you out of sync with the Good Shepherd.
In the midst of that, there is still the call to hold on and walk on as the Good Shepherd leads you.
He has not forgotten you and He is not neglecting you. He leads even in the valley. Learning to follow His lead in the valley is just as vital as learning to follow His lead in euphoric heights. Learning to appreciate His presence in the valley is the place for great consolation and reason for hope.
In the midst of that, there is still the call to hold on and walk on as the Good Shepherd leads you.
He guides and provides even in the valley. He sustains and retains even in the valley. Loving Him as the lily in the valley gives a reassuring perspective on the valley experience. There is a destination to reach. There is a purpose to fulfil. There is a mission to accomplish. The route includes the valley so that as you go through you learn from others who have been led through before you. The route includes the valley so that as you go through you can share vital insights for others as they go through.
Health can be restored and financial problems can be relieved. Relationships can be restored and the material things of life can look much better. That may be an expression of God’s presence with you through and out of the valley.
There may have to be a season of waiting and enduring. Things might not fit other peope’s idea of comfort and contentment. Yet the deepening of the relationship with God can testify to something of great worth in the valley.
Either scenario is only expereinced as in the midst of everything you hold on and walk on as the Good Shepherd leads you.
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 