Amidst many chapters of praise and worship there is one chapter this week that the author’s tone changes. Chapter 22 rests between some renown chapters in Psalms. The author exclaims that God feels absent or far away. He prays day and night and hears no answer. He feels no relief. There is urgency and worry felt when one reads this chapter. When we are in the valley we often find ourselves crying out to God and receiving only silence. We tire ourselves out trying to change our circumstance.

But in the very next chapter, chapter 23, the author states, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for you are with me.” This is what stands out more than anything else. In chapter 22 I believe the writer is in the valley and it is hard to see much in the valley. I imagine myself standing in Yosemite Valley with looming granite cliffs reaching far into the sky. It seems impossible to escape. However, in chapter 23, the author now has some perspective. His vantage point has changed. He’s learned to be thankful for the valley because it has taught him a great thing. God has taught him perspective.

God often makes me feel small. This shrinking feeling I get is not one I dread but instead one I love. I love the feeling because it instantly shapes my perspective. It instantly puts God where He belongs. When I am small, I am weak, fragile, and delicate. Therefore, I need the God who created the universe. I need that God to guide me, lead me, and sometimes carry me through what seems like an insurmountable difficulty. Lean into God and He will allow you to see Him for who He really is.