“Although, I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil…..” Psalm 23:4 I would rather it read, “Although, I run really-really fast through the valley…..” Whenever, we experience the valley of despair, disappointment, and discomfort it’s not uncommon for us to desire to take the most expeditious passage out of the valley, right? It behooves us to remember that every valley is a passageway rather than a destination and that God controls the depth and length of our valley experiences. I will submit to you that, the deeper the valley, the greater the work God will be able to do through it. The concluding words revealed by God and penned by David in V.4 is, “for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” Ok, God I will take off my running shoes because I know that You are always present in our pain, You love us despite our losses, and You are patient despite our complaints. So today remember, God will never leave your side and all things work together. The valley is where God strips us of pride, renews our passion for Him, refines our character, and/or purify our motives.