Why Believers Walk Through the Valley - Not Run: A Psalm 23 Reflection

Ever notice in Psalm 23 it says:

“Even though I walk through the darkest valley…”

When I’m in darkness and fear surrounds me, I’m inclined to run, freeze, or hide - but walk?No.

Walking doesn't feel natural. I'd be running!

But “walk” communicates something so important: steadfastness, strength, courage, and even peace.

There is something we need to recognise here, a mark of a believer is one who walks, not runs, in hardship. They don’t run away.

They don’t stop and despair.

They move forward.

And that makes perfect sense when we read the verse before it.

He Guides Us on the Right Path

“He guides me along the right paths for His name’s sake.” (Psalm 23:3)

The mature believer knows God will guide and direct them even through the valley.

They walk, not run, because they trust the Shepherd.

And then verse 4 continues:

“I will fear no evil, for You are with me.”

It is only someone filled with confidence, confidence in God, not themselves, who can walk through the valley instead of being consumed by fear.

God’s Word becomes their counsel.

It sustains them.

It strengthens them.

They keep following the Shepherd who will lead them out of the valley.

They may not know what the next step brings…but they know the Shepherd will bring them to rest beside living water, and one day they will dwell in the House of the Lord forever.

What Does This Mean for Us in Our Valleys?

So how does this speak to our valleys?

Have we been the sheep who ran away and, once in the valley, froze in despair?

Have we lost sight of the Shepherd and chased the things of this world — only to be left wanting and overwhelmed by challenges we can’t overcome?

Or are we running frantically, tear-soaked and exhausted, searching for answers everywhere except God?

Psalm 23 (& John 10) gently calls us back:

Be the sheep who follow the voice of the Shepherd.

Hear His voice.

Knows His voice.

Takes courage.

And walks.

He Rescues, Restores, and Strengthens

He will rescue.

He will restore.

He will strengthen.

The Good Shepherd leads us on paths of righteousness and gives us life everlasting.

Through Christ — His death and resurrection — we have hope, peace, strength & rest.