God With Us | In The Valley
About this series:
So many words are regularly associated with Christmas: presents, family, tree, nativity, Jesus, holiday, mince pies, carols, Joseph & Mary, joy, etc. But perhaps the most precious is Immanuel. “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God with us’),” Matthew 1:23.
As John says, "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us" - God himself giving himself as a man for mankind. It's completely mind blowing! So this Christmas we're going to focus on this word - Immanuel - and what it means for us that Jesus was God with us, is still with us in the person of the Holy Spirit and has won for us an eternity in which we will be with him in the perfection of the new creation.
About this talk:
Psalm 23
Challenges come in various forms: sometimes it's a storm, other times a wilderness and then occasionally a valley. A dark, foreboding place where we're surrounded and a way out is very hard to find. David's famous Psalm has been a comfort to Christians for centuries, encouraging us that God is providing, leading and guiding; the ever-present shepherd even in the darkest valley.
Audio only
Devotional: God With Us in the Valley
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil,
for You are with me.” — Psalm 23:4
Christmas often highlights joy, lights, laughter, and celebrations. We hear the name Immanuel—“God with us”—and it’s easy to believe when life feels bright and peaceful. When the house is decorated, when the children behave, when the doctor doesn’t call back, when the job is stable, when the table is full—it’s easy to say, “God is with me.”
But Psalm 23 reminds us of a deeper truth: God is not only with us on the mountaintops; He is with us in the valleys.
David understood this well. He knew what it was to face loss, fear, exhaustion, and betrayal. In one of his lowest moments in Ziklag—when everything had been taken from him and even his own men turned against him—Scripture says one powerful sentence:
“David strengthened himself in the Lord.” (1 Samuel 30:6)
In the valley, David didn’t run from God; he ran to Him.
And God met him there.
God spoke.
God guided.
God restored.
This is the beauty of the name Immanuel.
God does not watch from a distance—He enters our darkness.
He steps into our confusion.
He walks with us in our sorrow.
The valley is not evidence of God’s absence.
The valley is an invitation to experience His presence.
His rod protects.
His staff guides.
His Spirit strengthens.
And His hope sustains.
This Christmas, whether your life feels like a green pasture or a deep valley, hear God whispering the same promise He gave through Isaiah:
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you.” — Isaiah 43:2
Not if.
When.
And when you do, He will be enough.
Discussion Questions
Where have you seen God’s presence most clearly—on the mountaintop or in the valley? Why?
Which part of Psalm 23 speaks to you most right now?
Why do you think God often reveals Himself in deeper ways during seasons of difficulty?
What “Ziklag moments” have you experienced—times when you had to strengthen yourself in the Lord?
How does remembering the name “Immanuel—God with us” shift your perspective in your current season?
Application
1. Name your valley.
Write down one area of your life where you feel discouraged, anxious, or uncertain. Bring it honestly before God in prayer.
2. Encourage yourself in the Lord.
Just like David, choose one Scripture to speak over your soul every day this week—Psalm 23, Isaiah 43, or 2 Corinthians 12.
3. Practice presence.
Spend five minutes each morning sitting quietly and acknowledging:
“God, You are with me—right here, right now.”
4. Look for small signs of His care.
Ask God to help you notice one evidence of His protection, guidance, or kindness each day.
5. Share hope.
Encourage someone else who might be in a valley. Text them a verse, pray for them, or offer a listening ear.
