It was here that crossed the “Brook Kidron” when he The Valley: fled from (2 Samuel 15:23). The final judgment of A Lesson on Perseverance the nations in “the valley of Jehoshsaphat,” meaning “Yahweh judges,” is often identified with the Kidron Valley (Joel 3:2,12). Psalm 23:4 4Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of After the Last Supper, led His disciples across the death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod ravine Kidron to the Garden of (:1). and thy staff they comfort me. When He was arrested, they brought Him back through the valley to the residence of the High Priest. These events I. Background of Psalm 23:4 took place only four days after Jesus’ official entrance into the city, riding on a donkey across the Kidron Valley. is sit atop three valleys. The Hinnoam, The Valley becomes synonymous with heartbreak, Tryophean, Kidron. For our study we will focus on the betrayal, abandonment, separation, loss, guilt, shame, and Kidron Valley. flight. The Kidron Valley, located on the north and east side of II. David’s Solution the city. Kidron Valley separates the city from the . It forms a wadi (a ravine or channel) that eventually David had to flee at a nadir point in his life. David offers us empties into the . Its name, meaning “dark” or a solution in language we can understand. It is probably “shady,” probably reflects its depth (at least 50 feet deeper the reason why the Psalms are beloved even today. then than it is today), and that it was much cooler than the The Psalms capture the real and raw emotions we face heat generated from the stones in the city above it. everyday, as well as at some of the most trying times in Southeast of the , the Kidron joins the our lives. David’s solution- Persevere! Tyropoean Valley, which passes down on the west side of James 1:12 the mount. The deep ravine formed by these valleys south of the city made a strong defense for David’s Jerusalem. Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for The Kidron also provided the water resource for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. Jerusalem’s only spring, the Gihon Spring on the eastern slope.

Romans 12:12 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, THOUGH it be tried with fire, might Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing prayer. of Jesus Christ:

Romans 8:37 IV. Through Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. Through: moving in one side and out of the other side of (an opening, channel, or location). Continuing in time The word of God is clear that we are to persevere in life; toward completion of (a process or period). our reward is coming. Psalm 23:4, David gives us three ways in which we can persevere. Through is a word in an adverb form. An adverb is a word or an expression that modifies a verb. PERSERVERANCE NEEDS A CONJUNCTION, ADVERB, A NOUN. David offers us a way HOW to treat the Valley. We are to go THROUGH our valleys. III. Though Don’t STOP where God is BEGINNING. Though: That, for, when. Romans 8:18 Though is the word form in a conjunction. A conjunction For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are is a part that connects two thoughts together. not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. God often connects present TROUBLE with future VICTORY. 2 Corinthians 12:9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my Job 23:10 power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast But he knoweth the way that I take: THOUGH he hath tried all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of me, I shall come forth as gold. Christ may rest upon me.

1 Peter 1:7

V. Thou David teaches us three things in Psalm 23:4 Thou: you 1. CONNECTS his PAST trouble with his FUTURE You is a pronoun in the singular second tense. You is used promise. when you are talking to someone. 2. DETERMINES his PRESENT feelings will not STOP him from MOVING toward his intended goal. Up until verse 4, David was talking about God: 3. LOCATES the OBJECT of His PERERVERANCE

1The Lord is my shepherd; Revelations 3:10 I shall not [a]want. Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I 2He makes me to lie down in [b]green pastures; will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the He leads me beside the [c]still waters. whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth. 3He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake.

When David enters into his valley he begins to TALK TO GOD.

Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. Deuteronomy 31:8It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”

Romans 8:28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.