Psalms 22 and 23 - Trust Even In Death

1 My God, my God,
why have you abandoned me?
Why are you so far away from helping me,
so far away from the words of my groaning?
Psalms 22:1 (GW)

4 Even though I walk through the dark valley of death,
because you are with me, I fear no harm.
Your rod and your staff give me courage.
Psalms 23:4 (GW)

Reflection of B:

Ps 22 is a prophecy on the suffering of Christ at the cross, where God forsook Him because He was bearing our sins. It is a great contrast from Ps 23 of confidence and trust even through death.

Yes, tonight I see the correlation between these two chapters of Psalms. Jesus could go through the cross because the Lord is His Shepherd and He will not be afraid.

Our bad experiences on earth are opportunities for us to know how Jesus felt when He suffered for us, yet without sin. How will we react when we go through the valley experiences?


Dear Lord,
Thank You for this revelation tonight that helps me understand Ps 22 and Ps 23 in a different way. I want to put my trust in You too so that I can have such confidence even when I am in the shadow of death or going through the valley experiences.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Job 10 - Deep Valley Experience

1 “I hate my life.
I will freely express my complaint.
I will speak as bitterly as I feel.
Job 10:1 (GW)

9 Please remember that you made me out of clay
and that you will return me to the dust again.
Job 10:9 (GW)

18 “‘Why did you take me out of the womb?
I wish I had breathed my last breath
before anyone had laid eyes on me.
19 Then it would be as if I had never existed,
as if I had been carried from the womb to the tomb.
Job 10:18-19 (GW)

Reflection of B:

Job's trust in God got weaker as time went by with all his sufferings and the accusations of his friends. He started to question God and wished to die again.

At one time of our lives we may also have deep valley experience like Job, but in different forms. In times like this our faith will be fully tested. We may argue with or question God and tell Him our true feelings. Our God is a God who wants us to be true to Him and not lying.


Dear Lord,
Thank You for keeping me and seeing me through in times when I had deep valley experience like Job. Thank You that Your word always encouraged me when my faith was weak. May You continue to keep me strong for the rest of my journey with You.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.