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. 

This week, take time to go deeper by meditating on the Scripture from Sunday’s sermon and prayerfully applying it to your life. Use these questions to guide your reflection in a journal or notebook.

1. Reflect on the imagery of “the valley of the shadow of death.”
As you think about past sufferings, trials, or dark valleys, how has God shown Himself faithful to His character? What attributes of God sustained you? What truths can you meditate on now to strengthen your trust in God and prepare your heart for future trials?

2. Read Hebrews 12:3-11
What is God’s motivation behind His fatherly correction? What benefits come from responding to His discipline with humility?

3. Read Psalm 27
How does reminding himself of God’s presence strengthen David’s faith? What fears are you currently battling? What are three ways you can follow David’s pattern of prayer this week?

4. Read John 17:24

How does Jesus’ prayer to the Father—that those who belong to Him would be with Him—bring you comfort as you think about your own mortality? How does this truth comfort your heart regarding losses you have experienced?

5. Reflect on these words from world-renowned classical guitarist Christopher Parkening.
“The will of God, I have discovered, will never take me where the grace of God cannot keep me, protect me, sustain me, calm my fears, and teach me.”
How have you seen the grace of God sustaining you in your trials?

6. Listen to the hymn, All the Way My Savior Leads Me.
Find a recording of this hymn by Fanny Crosby wherever you listen to music. Meditate on the lyrics as you listen or sing along.

7. Prayer Response
Write a prayer to the Lord based on what you have learned from Psalm 23:4 this week. Ask Him to strengthen your hope as He walks with you through the valleys of deep shadow.