JUNE 2, 2024 - ANTIDOTE TO DARK VALLEYS - 3 DAY READING PLAN
Day 1: The Inevitability and Nature of Valleys
Scripture Reading:
Day 2: God's Presence and Guidance in the Valleys
Scripture Reading:
Day 3: The Purpose and Growth from Valleys
Scripture Reading:
By following this 3-day reading plan, you can delve deeper into the themes of the sermon and find encouragement and strength in God's Word.
Day 1: The Inevitability and Nature of Valleys
Scripture Reading:
- John 16:33 - "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
- Psalm 23:4 - "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me."
- Reflect on the inevitability of valleys in life as mentioned in the sermon. Consider how Jesus Himself acknowledged that we will face trouble in this world.
- Think about the different types of valleys mentioned in the sermon (e.g., valley of calamity, valley of weeping, valley of trouble) and how they relate to your own experiences.
- Ask God for the strength to face the valleys in your life with courage and faith.
- Pray for the wisdom to recognize that these valleys are a part of life and that they are temporary.
Day 2: God's Presence and Guidance in the Valleys
Scripture Reading:
- Isaiah 43:2 - "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze."
- Hebrews 13:5 - "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'"
- Reflect on the assurance of God's presence in the valleys, as emphasized in the sermon. Consider how God's rod and staff symbolize His protection and guidance.
- Think about the strategic change in language in Psalm 23, where David shifts from talking about God to talking to God, indicating a more intimate relationship during times of trouble.
- Thank God for His constant presence and guidance in your life, especially during difficult times.
- Pray for the ability to focus on God's power and presence rather than the problems you face.
Day 3: The Purpose and Growth from Valleys
Scripture Reading:
- Romans 8:28 - "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
- 1 Peter 1:6-7 - "In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed."
- Reflect on the purpose behind the valleys, as discussed in the sermon. Consider how God uses these difficult times to build your character and faith.
- Think about the eternal perspective mentioned in the sermon, where even lifelong struggles are insignificant compared to the eternal glory that awaits.
- Ask God to help you see the purpose behind your struggles and to use them for your growth and His glory.
- Pray for the strength to endure and the faith to trust in God's plan, knowing that He is working all things for your good.
By following this 3-day reading plan, you can delve deeper into the themes of the sermon and find encouragement and strength in God's Word.