On Sunday, October 26, 2025, Teaching Pastor Bruce Hess’ message is “Navigating the Valley of the Shadows” (Psalm 23:4). Below are some questions for your personal or group reflection.
- When was the last time you felt you were experiencing life in the Valley of the Shadow, when ‘Mr. Hardship barged into your life’? What were some of the details? What were some of your feelings?
- Bruce talked about the main character from the movie Bruce Almighty and how he struggled with his life events and found himself shouting to heaven, Why? Why Lord? It’s such a common response we have. Why is it so common?
- Bruce mentioned three things we should remember when we find ourselves in the Valley of the Shadow. What were those three things? Which one of those three things are you most prone to forget or lose sight of?
- Why should God’s sovereignty be a comfort to us?
- Can Jesus really understand and sympathize with us when we found ourselves Navigating the Valley of the Shadow? What events from His life on earth would Indicate that He can?
- Edith Schaeffer was quoted as saying, The most effective school to train comforters Is the school of life. Elaborate on that idea.
- Joe Stowell said that, “faith means grabbing hold of His character, and clinging to God’s promises.” How can we practically do that?
- Vance Havner was quoted as saying, God marks some of our days “will explain later.” Elaborate on what you think that “later” will be like.
- Take some time to pray for someone you know who is currently ‘Navigating the Valley of the Shadow.