“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
Psalm 23:4
We all walk through dark valleys, yet one truth is always constant: God is always good. Some face darker valleys than others, but God’s Word sustains and draws us closer to Him, regardless of how dark or challenging our valleys are. In Psalm 23, we read about how our Good Shepherd is with us through the worst times. Not only is He with us, but He comforts us and leads us through the dark valley.
At Biblica, we understand the power of God’s Word and the light it brings when darkness surrounds us. For instance, in 2022, Biblica fast-tracked the launch of a contemporary Ukrainian New Testament and app in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In the darkest of times in Ukraine, people are reading and hearing God’s Word for the first time, receiving hope and salvation that only comes through Him.
While we may not all be in an active war zone, people around us desperately need God’s Word. In fact, we all need God’s Word; the same need for His salvation applies to us all, regardless of circumstance.
Here are three things that we should consider in light of this:
- We need to desire God’s Word for ourselves. When we live in a place where there are Bibles all around us. With many Bibles in our homes and Bible apps on our phones, we can get too comfortable and rarely read our Bibles, not realizing how important and powerful the Word is to our daily lives. “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12, NIV).
Reading the Word of God conforms us to the image of Jesus, shows us who God is and what He has done, and shows us how to live our everyday lives. We must realize our need for the Word and decide to read it every day. Whenever we open the Word, God has something He wants to show or speak to us. We cannot live this life or represent Jesus well as His disciples if we are not in the Word daily.
Here are two great resources to help get you into God’s Word daily:
- Sign up for our Daily Devotional emails. Each day, you’ll receive a reading of Scripture, as well as access to an insightful reflection to help you apply it to your life.
- Follow along with our Bible in a Year reading plan. Having a detailed plan makes it easier to read and grow in God’s Word daily.
- We need a desire to share God’s Word with those around us. When we realize the power of God’s Word for ourselves, we will be compelled to share it with the people we are around most often. This can look like sharing encouraging verses with church members, texting Scripture and a prayer to family members, or sharing your faith with neighbors. Regardless of how it is done, we must share God’s Word with those around us.
- We need a desire to see God’s Word reach every tribe, nation, and tongue. Far too many people still don’t have access to God’s Word in their native language. Join us in praying for everyone, everywhere to receive the Bible in a language they can understand. And consider giving someone the gift of God’s Word today!
Wherever you are today and whatever you are facing, you can know that God’s Word can light up your darkest valleys and reveal who He truly is as your Comforter and Shepherd. He’s here to guide us through our challenging circumstances. There is always hope when we depend on Him and live in the light of His Word.
