Though I walk through Valleys low

Photography: Njeri Kiruku;  Location: Rungiri Waterfront park

When I was 5 years old or there about, my bigger cousins made my small cousin and I memorize Psalm 23:1. I vividly remember how excited I was reciting the first five words. I would use my fingers to count the number of words I recited, "The Lord is my Shepherd." As a child, these words were to me just another verse I needed to memorize but as an adult, I can confess that I have tasted and seen the truth in these words - God is indeed my Shepherd. 

 

Like many of us, 2020 was supposed to be "that year". That year of change, that year of transformation, that year of crushing goals, that year of change, that year of new beginnings, that year of clarity, that year of getting married for some :). Well, as it turns out, this year, brought about change - but not in the way we anticipated. I always say, 2020 didn't catch God by surprise, nor its happenings. I will speak of my story since everyone's case is different.

 

For those of you who have read this post, you would know how my year sort of transitioned in February. I will not speak too much into this but all I can say is that, I have tasted and seen the faithfulness of the Lord in this land of the living. I will focus on something else today. When the year began, I thought I had everything figured out from career, to relationships, to friendships - everything. I really wanted to visit Rwanda mid -year (I still do) but these plans were halted. I really wanted to get married this year (haha - I still do) but as it turns out, that didn't suffice (Story for another day - maybe). My point is, I really wanted some things to turn out my way but here I am, most have not yet happened. I have also had my fair share of hurt and pain this year, I have cried a lot and at some point my emotions were unstable. 

 

I won't speak today of how I got out of the pain and hurt but I will talk about my experience through it. I have realized that when God says, "I will be with you", He truly means it. And with me, He was - deep in the valley, He was with me. He held me through my mixed emotions and never did He feel I was 'too much". I journaled and told Him a lot of things. I told Him about my day, how I was feeling and also what I wanted. He stood with me through it all. Some days were difficult to go through and all I wanted was to disappear but by the fact that I went through those days and lived to the next one, was a sort of nod from God that 'He still got me." You see, God is not God only in the good times, He is God even in the low moments. He tells us in Psalm 34:18 The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit. He wants to be part of your journey through pain and heart ache. God comforts us like no other can - even when He seems far. 

 

Looking back now, I see how God was present in the valley, He was my Shepherd. Even when I had missed the step, He came looking for me. He didn't give up even when I ranted to Him. I always ranted to Him most days because that is what felt right - In spite of the pain though, I knew, He was the only one who could take me through that season. I knew there was nowhere else I would rather be. I mentioned earlier that I am speaking from my experience and I pray that as the Lord wills, this message will reach His chosen audience. There is a song I love by Casting Crowns, called "God of all my days". I can confidently say that, I have seen this God in all of my days, even the days in the valley.

 

I would like to remind us that sometimes God allows us to go through certain seasons so that we can also experience Him in His diverse attributes. Don't rush the "valley season." You will need the lessons to sustain you in the "mountain season". You will need the lessons to lift up someone else. It may last longer than we anticipate sometimes but so long as you get up in the morning, this means that "It is not over" for you. 

 

If you are reading this and you are in a valley now, this is my prayer for you - I pray that God Almighty will Shepherd you through this season. I pray that He will embrace you in His love and protection in Jesus Name. I declare that you will be Victorious in Jesus Name. 

 

Recite Psalm 23 and where there is "my", “me” or "I", put your name. 

1The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the  still waters.
3 He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.

4 Yea, 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.

5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.