I WALK THROUGH THE VALLEY

Psalms 23

Introduction:

1. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

2. The bible has much to say about “valleys;” yet interestingly, the word “valley” appears only one time in the New Testament: In reference to the work of John the baptizer, the Scripture says, “Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth;” Luke 3:5.

3. In this lesson, let’s examine just one particular valley … the valley dividing young David from the champion of the Philistines, Goliath. (1 Samuel 17: 1- 3)

I. ALL OUR BATTLES ARE FOUGHT “DOWNHILL” OF THE DESIRED LOFTY HEIGHT

A. Israel stood on one mountain and the Philistines stood on the other “and there was a valley between them”

B. Sometimes, the chasms that separate us could be crossed in pleasantries if we would TALK and not SHOUT regarding our differences.

C. Neither is advantaged until the valley itself is settled: thus the “battle is in array” until the AGREED DISCUSSION occurs!

II. WE OFTEN VIEW THOSE OPPOSING US AS GIANTS

A. 1 Samuel 17: 5 – 7

1. Note how sometimes our “giants” hide behind someone else coming before them, announcing their presence. Are they not strong enough to announce themselves?

2. The appearance of these “giants” is frightening, UNLESS we have confidence in God!

B. They will challenge us without fear!

1. 1 Samuel 17: 8 – 10

2. Our enemies consider themselves invincible!

C. Consequently, due our lack of FULL ASSURANCE OF FAITH, we coward in their presence

1. 1 Samuel 17: 11

2. The continual “self-praise” of the enemy increases our fears --- vs. 16

D. The challenges continue until SOMEONE is willing to accept the challenge and defeat the wrong! Vs. 20 – 21

III. SOMETIMES OUR OWN BRETHREN BELIEVE IT A USELESS TASK AND CHIDE THOSE WHO ARE WILLING TO ACCEPT THE CHALLENGE

A. 1 Samuel 17: 23 – 25

B. Often, it is the LEAST EXPECTED to accept the challenge – vs. 26

1. Rebuke comes from those who wish they could, but have every doubt YOU CAN – vs. 27 – 30

2. “A man’s foes shall be they of his own household,” – Matt. 10:36

IV. THERE ARE ALWAYS THOSE WILLING TO HAVE THE BRAVE EXPRESS THEIR CONFIDENCE

A. 1 Samuel 17: 31 – 37

1. Doubts will about (vs. 33)

2. Just as they did from David’s elder brother.

B. The confidence cannot be of SELF but in the LIVING GOD

1. The confident one must BEING TO MIND the One in whom we must ALL be confidant!

2. NOTE CAREFULLY verses. 34 – 36

3. Such will increase the faith of a BELIEVER – vs. 37

C. It doesn’t require “unproven” armor

1. Vs. 38 – 39

2. Use what you KNOW works – what you have PROVEN is right (vs. 40)

V. FIGHT THE BATTLE WITH GOD’S HELP – NOT YOUR OWN SELF- EXALTATION!

A. 1 Samuel 17: 41 – 45

B. Determination in GOD’S will – 1 Samuel 17: 46 – 47

1. Face the enemy and run toward it (vs. 48)

2. Use what you have in the confidence of God’s greater strength! (vs. 49)

3. And win the battle! (vs. 50 – 51

C. Don’t gloat – it is GOD who gives the victory!

1. Vs 52 – 53

2. 1 Corinthians 15:57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

3. 1 John 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.