When the Bible says the word of God is alive and active (Hebrews 4:12), it’s not just a churchy saying. It’s legit. To me, that means though it was written thousands of years ago, God’s Word is relevant, applying to right here and now.

It is good for daily application, no matter our age. It comforts, directs, convicts, encourages. Ephesians 6:17 calls it our weapon: the sword of the Spirit. Read it, memorize it, carry it, share it.

For the past few weeks, I have been obsessed with Psalm 23:4. Smack in the middle of the most famous Psalm, it speaks and speaks loudly.

While some people not familiar with the Bible think Psalm 23 is only a poem most often found on funeral announcements, those who know understand it to be a comforting, loving personal reflection written by a former shepherd who loved God deeply.

Psalm 23:4 (NIRV) begins, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley…” Some translations say, “valley of the shadow of death,” “valley as dark as death,” “dark valley of death,” and “valley of deep darkness.” We get it.

This verse has reminded me often lately that God is a THROUGH God. He’s not a leaving God, but a walking you through God. He takes us THROUGH the valley, THROUGH the hard time.

Think of stories in the Bible where God took people THROUGH hard things. Joseph was sold by his brothers, went to a pagan land, falsely accused by his new boss’ wife, and put in prison for years. But God was with him. And brought him THROUGH it.

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego went THROUGH the fiery furnace.

Daniel was in the lion’s den. God brought him THROUGH that scary time.

Noah saw the whole earth destroyed. God brought him THROUGH it.

David faced an undefeatable giant. God brought him THROUGH it.

Now think of times God got you THROUGH some things. Oh, there have been some things – times that if it had not been for God, you wouldn’t be here.         Let’s not get so busy these days doing life that we forget what He has already brought us THROUGH.

Life can often be hard. Just plain hard. Headlines rush to tell us heartache after heartache, near and far. We see flooding, death, wildfires, and violence. How do we deal? How do we sleep? How do we endure?

The writer of Psalm 23 knew the secret: “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid because You [God] are with me…” There is only one way we can face any day without fear. There is only one way we can get out of bed in the morning with purpose and hope. It’s with Him.

We can’t do life on our own. Well, actually, we can, but it’s not a good idea.

Valleys come in all shapes and sizes: storms, marital problems, financial trouble, sickness, loss of a loved one, difficulty at work, neighbor issues, loneliness, disappointment, discouragement. Whatever valley you are in, God wants to walk you THROUGH it.

Hard times come in our lives. They can sometimes feel like they will last forever. But. But God will walk us THROUGH one at a time, one day at a time.