Rev. E. Anderson
THE DARKEST VALLEY
READING Psalm 23
TEXT v4
INTRODUCTION
This has always been regarded as a choice psalm and for many it is their favourite, one that is easy to memorize and re-call. It stands as the pearl amongst other priceless treasures and is there to be constantly mused and reflected upon. The more that it is pondered upon the more it yields by way of truth and experience.
INEVITABLE OCCURRENCE: The psalmist seems to take on board that one of the things that will occur in life is the fact that people will have to traverse dark valleys that will take some negotiating. It is not only facing the prospect of navigating the vale of death, although that is certainly implied, but having to cope with scenes and situations in life that are of a dark and sombre character. In the New Living Bible in the margin it states – “the darkest valley.”
BEAUTIFUL CONTRAST: Most people would select and choose to dwell and live in and on the mountain range where the perspective is clear and the vision is good and wholesome. When people refer to mountain top experiences they are thinking of delightful incidences that have brought an enormous sense of satisfaction to their beings. There would be a desire to constantly know and enjoy such and these times are welcomed with open arms – Matthew 17.
VARIED VALLEYS: In taking note of the theme and truth of the darkest valleys it is to be noted that the darkest valley may spell something different for each one. The vales are different and the experiences within them are unique and extremely diverse but it does not matter how different and diversified they are, they can all be successfully passed through.
1/. THE DARK VALLEY OF BEREAVEMENT – Genesis 37: 33-35
It is unquestionable that the Lord gave Jacob this very large household and blessed him with a wonderful son, Joseph. In a difficult period of his life he was enriched in a special way with a boy that was choice and different and that found a warm spot in his affections and thoughts. He somehow could relate to this young life that he could not do so with the other lads in the family. This son brought unbounded pleasure to his being. As long as he was around to converse with then he could face up to anything!
But this light was to be seemingly extinguished and he is to be plunged into a dark period that went into a great stretch of time. When it occurred there were some imponderables for this spiritual man at such a point in his affairs.
2/. THE DARK VALLEY OF DESPAIR – Genesis 39: 19, 20; Psalm 105: 18, 19.
It was to be equally so for his son, too. He was to be plunged into a set of circumstances where all his dreams, hopes and prospects were to be dashed to the ground. In a moment it all occurred. With seemingly no indication his world is turned upside down. One sunny morning when filled with optimism and expectation, the day turns dark and the clouds of foreboding arise.
- He is no longer a cherished and idolized son but a slave in market of Egypt.
- He is no longer the head steward in the home of the hierarchy but a prisoner held in disdain in prison.
3/. THE DARK VALLEY OF BARRENNESS – 1 Samuel 1
A great lot of preachers love to speak on Hannah on how she moved from a state of brokenness to blessedness but examination of the facts reveal it was both a torrid and horrid time for this dear woman.
- She desperately desired an infant she could nurse and call her own.
- She honestly and earnestly sought the Lord for an answer to this pressing problem.
- She was under enormous pressure and persecution from an adversary that made matters worse.
4/. THE DARK VALLEY OF AFFLICTION AND SUFFERING – Job 2: 13
It is impossible to think about the darkest valley without bringing Job into the equation. He was the individual who certainly was plunged into circumstances that was of an extreme character. The statement is made – “And no one said a word, for they saw that his suffering was too great for words.” This appears to be a summation of the whole situation and gives the real impression of a major darkness.
- There had been the period where he had lived in such a delightful and prosperous condition, enjoying the richness of God’s presence.
- He was suddenly cast into the situation where he had to traverse the darkest valley – 1: 13 onwards.
- In the midst of it all he laid hold of the conviction that the Lord was aware of his whole circumstance and would bring him through. Although he could not understand or interpret the events, he sought to hold on to the one he could trust. The only hope in the valley was the Lord who had previously blessed him and so he holds on and makes some positive affirmations that light up his experience – 23: 10; 19: 23-17.
5/. THE DARK VALLEY OF REMORSE AND REGRET – Psalm 32; 51
There are occasions when people have to tread dark valleys because of their own doings and misdemeanours.
- Because of his sin he felt totally in the dark and in conscience-stricken state, bereft of God’s presence and in a miserable condition – Psalm 32: 3, 4. The valley seemed to be a drawn out one that went on for some considerable distance.
- He longed to get out of this state of affairs and move once again in the sunshine of God’s love and grace – Psalm 51: 12.
CONCLUSION
In the midst of the darkest valley it is good to believe and hang on to a number of choice considerations:
- He is there in the valley to help negotiate and deal with the situation whatever it entails and throws up. It does not matter how dark the valley is, He who is the Light of the World will be present to give the needed assistance.
- He has passed through the darkest valley and was successful in getting through it in spite of all of its problems. It is assuring to know that He above all has passed through the darkest valley, the Cross, and turned it into a place and experience of conquest. There is not only death: there is resurrection.
- He ensures that the experience will yield the most positive of results and yield great interests and investments in and to life – not a waste.
Barnabas Ministries UK 