Through the Valley

 

The Lord has allowed me to see some beautiful places during my life.  Some are old cities with cobblestone streets, and some are rivers and mountains with beautiful natural vistas.  I have been through the Black Forest region of Germany and the Alps in Switzerland and Austria.  I have crisscrossed the Danube river and traveled all over Transylvania.  But the most beautiful place on earth that I have ever seen is the Gap of Dunloe in County Kerry, Ireland.  From Killarney around Lough Leane, in 2005, we drove up through the gap and over to Hollywood and Dromluska on the other side.  The gap has lush green grass, a winding brook, and towering mountains on each side.  There are sheep everywhere that nibble the grass low to the ground making the entire area look like a putting green.  The Gap of Dunloe reminds me of Psalm 23 and the Good Shepherd.  The interesting thing about a valley is that it has two ends.  When you go into a valley, you will come out on the other side.  Hey, if you are going through difficult times, you can relate to verse 4.  You may think that you are going through “the valley of the shadow of death”.  But make no mistake, the Lord will lead you out on the other side!  He will not leave you in the shadows; He will lead you THROUGH the valley of the shadow of death safely to the other side.  So, take heart.  The difficulties that are pressing down upon your soul will not last forever.  God will see you safely through your valley and into the sunshine on the other side.  Trust the dear Lord to see you through.