Summary: Psalm 23 addresses the hope we can have through the dark valleys of life.

GOD HAS AN ANTIDOTE FOR THE DARK VALLEYS

Stress busters - Part 3

"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." Psalm 23:4

I. WHAT TO REMEMBER IN DARK VALLEYS

A. VALLEYS ARE ________________________________________

"In this world you will have trouble." John 16:33 (NIV)

B. VALLEYS ARE ________________________________________

"Disaster follows disaster... In an instant my tents are destroyed, my shelter falls in a moment." Jer. 4:20 (LB)

C. VALLEYS ARE ________________________________________

"(It) rains on the just and the unjust too." Mt. 5:45 (LB)

D. VALLEYS ARE ________________________________________

"There is a wonderful joy ahead, even though the going is rough for a while down here." I Peter 1:6 (LB)

"Our troubles are short-lived and their outcome is an eternal glory which outweighs them all." 2 Cor. 4:17(NEB)

E. VALLEYS ARE ________________________________________

"... At the present you may be temporarily harassed by all kinds of trials. This is no accident -- it happens to prove your faith ..." I Peter 1:6b-7 (Ph)

II. WHAT SHOULD I DO IN DARK VALLEYS

A. REFUSE ______________________________________

"I WILL FEAR NO EVIL"

"God will strengthen you with his own great power so that you will not give up when troubles come, but you will be patient." Col 1:11 (NCV)

B. REMEMBER ____________________________________

"FOR YOU ARE WITH ME"

"When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up --the flames will not consume you." Is. 43:2 (LB)

C. RELY ON _____________________________________

"YOUR ROD AND STAFF COMFORT ME"

"The good man does not escape all troubles -- he has them too. But the Lord helps him in each and everyone." Ps. 34:19 (LB)