He’s Brave Enough for Both of You

It has been said that courage isn’t the absence of fear, but taking a step while you still feel afraid. I have thought about this often as someone who has battled with fear and anxiety. One time, as I was praying, God reminded me that no matter how dark the valley gets, He is still in control. He is still watching out for me and His plans for me are, ultimately, good. I want to take a moment to remind you that, whether you feel brave right now or not, God can be brave enough for both of you. All you have to do is hold His hand.

David struggled with fear in his own life. He was on the run from a king who wanted him dead and he spent many years in hiding and fighting for his life, even when God had promised him that he would one day be king. And yet, in the midst of his life’s challenges, he wrote Psalm 23—a powerful declaration of the love and faithfulness of God even through the darkest valleys.

A few months back, as I meditated on this Psalm, I realized that God leads us through the highs and lows of life, even when it gets dark. Open up your imagination and let me share this little journey with you.

The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.

The journey begins with a deep-seated knowing. You know in your heart that the Lord is your shepherd. He has you and whatever life throws at you, you know (at least in your head) that He is all you need. You can repeat it back to your friends and family because this is the grounding fact of your life as one of Christ’s sheep.

He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams.

You find yourself in a place of life where there are green meadows and vibrant grass everywhere. Life is good and peaceful. You are content and you know in your head that Jesus has you, he has control of your life, and he is with you. You get thirsty, and you can get up from your picnic blanket under a tree and go take a fresh drink from the nearby stream.

He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.

You know you’re fine, because Jesus is right next to you, giving you strength when you grow weary. He invites you on walks around the meadows and leads you on to victories. Your life is a glowing example of his goodness.

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.

But then something unexpected happens. The path grows dark, the trees close in. Suddenly you are on a trail that is narrow and steep and is slowly carving its way deeper and deeper into a valley. The green grass fades, you have trouble remembering the sun’s warmth, and the smell of honey and joy becomes a distant memory.

When you take time to look around and notice your surroundings, Jesus is still there. He is holding your hand, He is still leading you. He is staying close and making sure you’re protected. He has a rod and a staff. He’s fully equipped to fight away any wolves. You feel like turning back would be a better choice, but He smiles and reassures you that what’s on the other side is worth it. Hand in his, you delve deeper into the dark.

You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings.

Then something surprising happens. Right there, between a dark forest of scraggly trees with dark shadows and spooky eyes peeking out at you, Jesus leads you to a table smack in the middle of the road. The table is piled high with a feast. There’s fresh bread and grapes. Cheese and wine. Pies and turkey and ham. Warmth radiates from the banquet, even while everything around you is dark and odd creaks can reach your ears.

Jesus turns to you, and invites you to sit down and feast. You hesitate. Why should you sit down in the middle of a forest ridden with monsters? Why should you delight and rest while you can hear hidden creatures rustling nearby?

But one look at His face and you know. The monsters cannot come near without His permission. They can mock, and jeer, and pretend to be scary, but He still has the final say.

Suddenly, you remember that back in the meadow He filled you with strength and joy and peace. He was your comfort and delight back there, and one glance at His face and you know. You know in your heart, not just in your mind, that who He was in the meadow is who He is in the valley.

You choose to turn your back on the shadows and let Him anoint you with oil. You decide to let yourself feast on his blessings and enjoy His care, ignoring the groaning of the trees and the rustle of the dark wind.

Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.

The journey goes on like this. You let Him lead you through the dark places, stopping here and there to feast at His table and then rest while He keeps watch while you sleep.

Before you know it, the trees get greener and the smell of spring hits your face once more. The sun warms up your path and suddenly, you’re out of the valley. At the next rise on the hill you see a beautiful palace of white marble with every window gleaming with welcome.

You realize that Jesus is still holding your hand. Behind you, like a trail of flowers, are goodness and love. You realize you were surrounded and protected all along. There wasn’t a moment where you ever were truly alone. The shadows may have taunted, but they never stole you away from the road. All the way through, He was with you.

And with a smile and a bit of laughter, the darkness behind is forgotten. You look up to the palace, and realize with a thump of your heart that you made it. You are home.

You made it from one meadow to an even better one. The journey was long, and sometimes frightening, but suddenly you’re home.

There was never a moment He wasn’t with you.

There will never be a moment He won’t be with you.

If you are feeling like you’re in that valley today, remember this journey and remember this Psalm. He is with you and he loves you. He won’t leave you. You’re never unprotected. You are safe. In Him, you can rest. Don’t give up and keep walking. At the end of the road is your home and on the journey peace is your portion. His hand is in your own.

Until next time,
Anna

“Even when your path takes me through the valley of deepest darkness, fear will never conquer me, for you already have! Your authority is my strength and my peace. The comfort of your love takes away my fear. I’ll never be lonely, for you are near.” Psalms 23:4 TPT

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Photo by Rosie Sun on Unsplash