Overcoming Dark Valleys

By Dr. Jeff Padgett

Psalm 23:4, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

How do we handle the dark valleys of life? This short and sweet compiling of facts about valleys can help.

Valleys are inevitable. They are a normal part of life. Don’t be surprised by them. Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble.” John 16:33

Valleys are unpredictable. They’re sudden and unexpected. Jeremiah 4:20, “In an instant my tents are destroyed, my shelter in a moment.”

Valleys are impartial. No one is insulated from pain and sorrow. No one gets to skate through life free of problems. Problems don’t mean you’re a bad person. They mean you’re a person. In Matthew 5:45, “He … sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”

Valleys are temporary. A valley is something we go through – a situation that has a season. 1 Peter 1:6, “Now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.” Life is tough, but it’s only for a while. There is joy ahead if we know the Lord Jesus Christ. There are no dark days in Heaven.

Valleys are purposeful. God has a reason for taking us through them. 1 Peter 1:6-7, “These [trials] have come so that your faith … may be proved genuine.” Pain can be productive. God wants to build our faith in the valleys. We love the mountaintops, but we build faith in the valleys. When we come face to face with a dark valley, we get on our knees.

Good News Network Interview

Thank you, Good News Network Radio, for having our co-founder Glenda Anderson Leonard on your show to talk about the Home! It is always special when we can share the word about Paul and our mission that has been carried out for more than 60 years. 💚💪🏼 Listen to the whole interview by clicking here.

Toombs County Magazine Features PAYH In Their Latest Issue

We are delighted to share that Toombs County Magazine featured the Paul Anderson Youth Home in the current issue! Thank you for helping share the story of PAYH and telling the community about our mission. 💚

South Magazine Features PAYH In Their Latest Article

Have you seen the latest issue of South Magazine? Paul Anderson Youth Home is featured in a lovely article about our 60th Anniversary. 👏 Thank you to this awesome magazine for spreading the good news about PAYH! 📣 🙌

Stay Updated

Sign up for our monthly newsletter and weekly devotional

Share This!

Recent Posts