Devotionals for the Heart: Why God doesn't want us to camp in the valley

Do Not Camp in the Valley
A devotional by Terry Overton

“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.”—Psalm 23:4 (ESV)

Perhaps one of the most well-known Bible verses of all time is Psalm 23.

It seems to touch our hearts no matter when we hear it. But it is often read in times of trouble to comfort those struggling through a dark season of life. We hear it in church services, beside hospital beds, and during funerals. Hearing it brings a touch of peace in difficult times.

To understand why the verse brings comfort to so many, it is helpful to study the individual phrases. Notice that David did not say “if” I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, but rather he said, “even though”. Another way to think of this is not “if” but “when” I walk through the valley of the shadow of death. It is acknowledging that we all have valleys of death to walk through. Valleys will happen. The valley might be the death of a relationship or the end of a job, the death of a loved one or dear friend, the death of robust health when a diagnosis is given, or the impending death known at the end of an illness. We will have valleys. It is inevitable. No one escapes.

We can learn a lot by reading stories in the Bible about people who endured walking through valleys: Joseph, after being rejected by his family, was imprisoned. Naomi grieved a great loss. Jonah was in the belly of a whale for three days after trying to run away from God’s assignment. The apostle Paul endured unbelievable hardships. These are just a handful of noteworthy Bible figures who suffered. The Bible is full of individuals who walked through their own valleys.

Yet Psalm 23:4 reminds us that we can walk in the shadows of this valley without fear. The shadow may be very dark, perhaps the darkest we have ever known. But we will not be afraid because He is with us. He is in the shadow. He is in the valley. And He knows the path ahead, leading us to the other side. We are not to camp in the darkness but to go with Him through the darkness.

The mention of the Shepherd’s rod reminds us that He alone guides us through the shadow. We may be drifting toward the wrong fork along the path, and He steers us with a gentle nudge. He alone knows the way and how long it takes to get to the other side. We are also reminded in this verse that we are comforted not by the absence of shadows or valleys in our lives, but by His presence with us in the valley. The verse does not say the shadow leaves; it says we walk through it. We are comforted to know He is at our side along the path.

Perhaps your valley is long, and you are exhausted. Your journey may be prolonged by additional unexpected events, turns along the way, or obstacles. He will give you comfort and strengthen you as you walk. Psalm 23:4 is clear that we are not to camp in the valley. We were not meant to stay in the valley forever. We are to continue moving forward. We walk through it. He helps us. He guides us. He strengthens us. And we make it through to the other side of the valley.

When times seem darkest, Jesus Christ is still by your side. You are not alone. His presence may be felt when you read God’s Word (The Holy Bible), sing praises to Him, or listen to His messages from the words of Christian pastors and friends who are following Christ. It is often from walking through these valleys that our faith is strengthened.

Let’s Pray:

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for being my Good Shepherd. Thank You for Your presence in the valley. When I don't understand the path, I trust that You do. Help me hear Your voice above the noise of worry and doubt. Thank You for walking beside me in the shadow. Help me to walk with You faithfully and fearlessly. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

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Song of Reflection #1: “Way Maker” by Leeland. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “He Leadeth Me” by Norton Hall Band. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Psalm 23 (I Am Not Alone)” by People & Songs featuring Josh Sherman. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “Even Though I Walk (Live at Church)” by Kari Jobe Carnes, Hannah McClure and Bethel Music. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #5: “Seasons Change” by Crystal Lewis. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Terry Overton is a retired university professor of educational and school psychology. She has an Ed.D. in Special Education and a Ph.D. in Psychology. 

Her professional experience includes teaching public school, teaching at the university level, and being a college dean.

She has two children, seven grandchildren, and one great granddaughter.

Her previous writing and publication experiences include textbook and journal articles in the fields of special education and school psychology. She now seeks to answer God’s call to share the good news and grow the church by writing Christian books and devotionals.

Over the years, Terry’s books have won the Mom’s Choice Award, Christian Indie Award, Firebird Book Awards, American Writing Winner Awards, Bookfest Winner Awards, Pencraft Award, Reader Views Silver Reviewers Award, and International Book Award Finalist. Her writing examines real world events with a Christian worldview. She enjoys writing for young children, middle grade readers, YA fiction, and adult level novels.

Terry’s background in teaching adults and children shine through her stories that often include a character with educational or learning challenges. Her Christmas series, The Oddball Ornaments, features a box of misfit ornaments who first learn the meaning of Christmas and then discover the meaning of forgiveness. In The Underground Book Readers series, one of the main characters is on the autism spectrum yet is one of the leaders of the group of teens. Book one of a new series, The Messiah Brigade, features an awkward middle school nerd who helps his school turn around a bully gang of kids. Adoption and family issues are the focus of her new book, Charlotte McMaster and the Messenger Angel.

Terry lives in Texas and enjoys reading, taking pictures for devotional posts on social media, visiting with her family, playing golf, and writing.

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Connect with Terry:
Website: https://www.authorterryoverton.com
Blog: https://terryovertonbooks.com
LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/overtont