The Valley...on the way to Destiny...

Last week we started a conversation surrounding the decision making process when considering the transformative process in Jesus Christ. We also talked about the discouragement that the enemy brings to throw us off course, get us distracted, and ultimately make us want to give up. 

Well… this is what we call the valley experience on this road to destiny. David quite perfectly sums it up…at least for one to know what it feels like ( “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death…”Psalm 23:4a). The poignancy that David writes this part of this psalm with is so piercing it's almost unbelievable. This valley is the place where the enemy makes you think that all is lost and the decision was for nothing…because at this precise moment…you feel old feelings surface. Horrid thoughts and sentiments of old haunt you like years’ worth of regret. You dis-annul spirits with which you’ve taken covenant, you cast down vain imaginings ( a proper weapon to use from your Holy arsenal “Casting down imaginations, and every thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God…” 2 Corinthians 10a), you are literally fighting yourself, the old ancient defunct replica of the created you YET you still feel defeated…

But God…

“…I WILL FEAR NO EVIL, thy rod, and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies. Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.” Psalm 23:4b-5)

Here it is…this valley only presents a SHADOW OF DEATH, an apparition, an almost encounter of what could be lost…but almost doesn’t count! As it has been taught in my ministry, the operative word in this Psalm of David is through…meaning he did not take residence even in the trouble that was presenting itself. He didn’t get stuck in the valley with all of its discomforts, what he considered his shortcomings, or even how he felt. He pressed forward. He saw the valley for what it was…a pass through on the way to his destiny…the green pastures. He also realized that even in the valley, it was the Lord that was with him every step of the way, guiding him, anointing him, gracing him.

So I say to you, don’t let life get old, and don’t let the newness of this transformation die early on. Fight to hold on to it, fight to protect it…fight to keep it.  Settle into the thick of it with all that it has to offer, even the valleys. For they too are purposed, and even if only to condition you with humility for the mountains…know that the Lord still provides, makes a way, and takes you through on the winding road to His expected end for you.