COMING OUT OF LIFE'S DARK VALLEY  Psalm 143:1-12

Intro: One day a preacher who had just lost his family to a tragic fire, and had fallen into the depths of a deep and dark depression was walking down a city street.  There, he came upon a construction crew that was erecting a new church.  He stopped to watch them as they worked, as he watched, he observed a worker who was busy carving a triangle out of stone with a chisel and hammer.  Stepping closer, he asked the stonecutter what he was carving. The worker pointed to the steeple of the church and said, "Do you see that small opening up there near the steeple?  Well, I am carving this stone down here so that it will fit in up there."

The preacher was immediately stirred in his heart.  He realized anew the faithfulness of God and came to understand that the valley he was in at the moment was God's way of carving him down here so that he would fit in up there. 

We live in a world that is filled with people like this man.  People who live their lives in depression, despair, and defeat.  Through the ages, many famous people have been plagues with these types of trials. People like George Washington, Charles Spurgeon and many of the hymn writers.  Even a man known as "A man after God's own heart."  (Acts 13:22), David, suffered from depression.  This Psalm came from a time of depression. 

I. THE PAIN OF THE DARK VALLEY

A.     V. 3 The Pain Of Darkness - No Help –

·         The context: The rebellion of Absalom, and the revolt of Ahithophel, Psa. 41:9.) There seems to be no end to the pain, and no light at the end of the tunnel.  Many are in this dark valley!

B.     V. 4 The Pain Of Depression - No Heart –

·         Overwhelmed = shrouded, carries the idea of being encased in darkness; Desolate = Stunned, stupefied carries the idea of total astonishment.)  It's as if David cannot believe what has happened to him. It's as if he has no heart to go on.  Many walk in this dark valley today!

C.     V. 7 The Pain Of Despair - No Hope –

·         Faileth = To be at the end!)  David feels that he has reached the end of his rope and that if God doesn't lift the veil of his darkness, then he is no better off than those who perish in hell!  Many are walking in this dark valley!

II.  THE PRIZE IN THE DARK VALLEY

A.     V.2 The Prize Of Repentance - Our Sins –

·         David's failures and his repentance of sin, Psa. 32; 51  Our Dark Valleys are not always caused by sin! However, when we begin to seek God, our sin will become an issue that must be dealt with, Psa. 66:18;

·         1 John 1:9.  Regardless of whether or not sin is responsible for our valley, we are still sinners in need of repentance.  Anything that brings us into a closer relationship with God is a prize!

B.     V.5 The Prize Of Remembrance - Our Sovereign –

·         David had much to remember! The stories of what God had done for Israel, and closer home, the great things God had done for him personally.  Ill. The lion, the bear, the giant, Saul, etc!) When walking through the dark valley, remember what God has done.  Review your life and read His word.  It will refresh your heart! 

C.     V. 6 The Prize Of Reliance - Our Self –

·         Dry, parched, cracked ground that longs for the refreshing rains.David knew he couldn't produce what he needed. Therefore, he looked to God.  The dark valley will cause you to come to the end of yourself, and when that happens, you can begin to rely on a big God!

·         Pro. 3:5-6; Rom. 8:28; 2 Cor. 4:17)

III. THE PATH OUT OF THE DARK VALLEY

A.     V.1, 6, 8a, 9a, 11-12 The Path Of Prayer - Waiting –

·         Several times in these verses, David refers to his prayers.  There were times when David wanted to stop praying, but he didn't! We are commended to pray -1 Thes. 5:17; Rom.12:12; God has promised to answer prayer - Isa.   65:24; John 16:23; Jer. 33:3)

B.     V.10b The Path Of Praise - Worshiping –

·         In the midst of this sad Psalm, David issues a small word of praise.  He reminds us that God is good! 

      Job - Job 1:20-22 -He worshiped and didn't accuse God!

C.     V. 8b, 9b, 10a The Path Of Practice - Walking –

·         David's desire is to do the will of God.This ought to be the goal of every saint!  When we fail in walking with the Lord, we bring dishonor to Him and more discouragement to our own hearts. 

Conc:  That personal relationship and consistent walk with the Lord Jesus will help the sufferer to come out of the dark valley.  He has never failed others, He will never fail you.