A Peek Behind The Curtain

He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Psalm 23:3

HAVE YOU EVER had to retrieve something from downstairs late in the night? You’ve just settled into bed, gotten all cozy, and then suddenly remember. Maybe you forgot to turn the entryway light off or set out that very important document for tomorrow’s meeting or blow out that candle in the living room.

And you think to yourself, I’ve got this. I don’t need to turn on the lights. I know this hallway, this stairwell, these walls like the back of my hand. You trust the worn carpet paths you’ve walked hundreds of times before. You trust your experience. You trust yourself.

So much of the valley is about trust. But unlike the familiarity of our homes, it’s dark. It’s unknown. It’s scary.

Can we feel around for God’s character on an unknown path? Can we trust the One who is shepherding us through it to lead us on a good path in the dark valley?

Psalm 23:3 gives us a peek behind the curtain as to why we are in valleys, why God leads and guides us there, why it’s all happening: for His name’s sake. Somehow this hard path we are taking will make His name known.

God calls us to trust Him, to put our weight upon His holy name in the valley. So the question before us is, Can we trust that making God’s name known is worth it to us?

Because at times I kind of want to make my name known. I wrestle with building my kingdom, instead of His. Of showing off my glory, instead of His. Of making my name known, instead of His.

But then I hear the words of Peter to Jesus so many years ago. When asked if the disciples wanted to stop following Jesus, Peter’s answer was honest and true and comforting: “To whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life . . . you are the Holy One of God” (John 6:68-69).

Magnifying God’s name is the greatest cause, the greatest goal, the greatest investment we could ever make. His name is the only name above all others. Whose Kingdom will have no end. Whose love never fails.

I am learning to find great contentment and comfort in God’s great name. I am discovering I am a part of His glory even in the valley, part of something much bigger than my own discomfort, so much bigger than me. There is a significant plan in place, and I am part of that significance. For His name’s sake.

Everything about our world screams, “Build your own kingdom.”

May we find the grace to whisper to our souls, “Thy Kingdom come.”

GRACE REFLECTION: Take a moment to reflect on how and where you want your name known. Confess this to God, and ask Him how you can make His name known.