Hey [CORRECTED_NAME GOES HERE], if you've been watching the news over the past week, you probably saw the heartbreaking videos and images of the Nepal/China mudslide disaster.
This happened not too far (relatively) from where I am in Thailand and I have a number of friends who are on the ground helping with relief and recovery. The reports are devastating.
I don't know about you, but when I read about the "darkest valley" in Psalm 23, this isn't exactly what I imagine. Yet when we're going through our own valley, this is what it feels like. Doesn't it?
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me;
Look closely at that verse. I used to interpret "through" as meaning "from one side and safely out the other." In other words, I want God to promise that he'll take me out of the valley.
And sometimes this is the case. Sometimes God brings us out of the valley. But as I've seen while interviewing Joni Eareckson Tada, a quadriplegic, or Chad Roberts, the blind pastor, "through" can also mean "walking alongside the entire length of the valley."
Such is the case for my friend Shannon Nelson, who shared her incredible story with me this week.
Throughout the story she brings up some thought-provoking ideas:
- We have the choice to keep walking in the valley or to just set up camp and live there;
- Part of going through live's valleys is learning to grieve well;
- It is crucial to be honest about your valley so that others can be a blessing to you;
- Stray bullets are going to periodically land. It matters more how we respond when they do;
If you're going through your own valley, difficulty or hardship - or you know somebody who is - I encourage you to give this a listen.
đź“Ł God's Grace in the Valley (inspiring story of hope)
I spent time with my friend Shannon this week, who shared a truly inspiring story of God's faithfulness in two of her deepest valleys.
The video and audio for this episode are also available on Spotify.
Cast your cares on the Lord
and he will sustain you;
he will never let
the righteous be shaken.
— Psalm 55:22 (NIV)
🔹 🔹 🔹 🔹
What's Happening in the Community
If music helps Scripture stick, you’ll want to see this resource! Jonathan discovered The Singing Bible, which has every chapter of the BSB set to music, with 15 musical styles and your choice of male or female voices.
​Check it out and find a style that works for your memory!
Ever tried to memorize all the kings of Israel and Judah? One community member asked for ideas beyond rote memorization, and the community came through with some great resources and creative strategies for keeping them straight.
​Check out the recommendations and save a few ideas for your own study!
Larry shared a fascinating observation about Pilgrim’s Progress and how deeply Scripture shaped John Bunyan’s writing. He also found a helpful mind map of the book that makes it easier to see and remember the journey.
​Check out Larry’s post, explore the mind map, and consider what it might look like for Scripture to shape us this deeply.
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Join the Launch Team!
We've already had people email us saying how in just 10 minutes, their kids have learned the entire outline of the book of Daniel. Do you even know how many chapters are in Daniel? Once you join the launch team and review a couple chapters, you'll never forget!
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I know that my friend Shannon isn't the only one who is going through a valley right now. If you're in a similar boat, I hope that you have community to support you, but I also welcome you to share in our community Prayer space if you feel comfortable or to reply to this email to ask for prayer.
God is walking with you in the valley and I hope you know that God's word - read or memorized - can be a source of hope while you're there.
God bless,
Josh, Becky & the Bible Memory Goal team