The sin of Genesis 3 did, in fact, bring about death as was promised. But it wasn't the immediate death one might envision. it came in the form of broken trust, fractured relationships, and unintended hardship which would continue until redemption comes to fruition at His coming.

He promised in Genesis 3 what he would do, reminds us in Romans 16 the ultimate fulfillment is near. Psalm 23 helps us live in the middle.

David doesn't pretend danger isn't real. He doesn't, like so many of us do every Sunday, pretend the valleys don't exist. He names them. Enemies are real and present. Yet fear doesn't rule the hearts of those who know the Good Shepherd. They know the victory isn't only consummated in the future, its presence and power is real and immediate.

We've had to learn this the hard way as parents of a severely disabled and medically fragile child. The valleys are not only real, but seem endless.

One of the hardest things we face is doing a simple blood draw. She hates them and fights like an angry tiger on steroids. Mom and I have to hold her still while staff do their work. All the while she looks at me, eyes filled with tears, her face saying in words she can't speak, "Why Daddy? Why don't you make it stop?" All I can do is whisper gently, "It's gonna be ok, baby, we have do it for your own good. I love you ... just trust me."; over and over and over.

God never promised there wouldn't be valleys, but David reminds us He did promise to travel through them with us. And when we turn to Him with tear-filled eyes saying, "Daddy, why don't you make it stop?" He whispers soft and low, "It's gonna be ok, son. This has to be done ... it's for your good. I love you.... just trust me." over and over and over.

The truths of this week are powerful ones which shape who we are and how we live out this faith we hold so dear. The same God who declared in the Garden victory over the serpent walks beside us in the shadowy places, often instructing us to enter. His rod and His staff offer protection and guidance not control and punishment.

Hope is not secured by an absence of hardship. It's secured by the One who enters hard and dark places with light, love, and assurance. Finally, the heart learns to rest, not because the circumstances are over, but because the Shepherd is near. Redemption is cosmic ... He did come to save the whole world ... but it's also intimate. He came to save YOU.

I can't wait for the present victory we know today to reach its final fulfillment at His return.

Maranatha! (which means "O, Lord, come!")

You and I will walk through valleys, some deeper than others. What matters is HOW we walk.

What valley are you walking through right now?

How does knowing God is present with you reshape your fear, even if the situation has not changed and maybe won't ever?