the Valley of Shadows
Psalm 23:4
Every shadow proves the presence of light.
A youth series from Student Ministry Resources, for middle school through young adult groups.
Join All-AccessIncluded in All-Access: $15/month or $150/year. Downloads are in the Library on smr.church.
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”
The series
You’re not walking alone. The Shepherd is with you.
The Valley of Shadows reveals how God’s presence can turn fear into faith and darkness into a testimony of His power.
“We’ll build session by session: starting with Kidron’s meaning and the shadows of pride, then Absalom’s fatal choice, David’s humble tears, and culminating with Jesus’ ultimate submission in Gethsemane—a place of shadows, death, and triumphant light.”
Session 1 · Into the Shadows
Kidron: from the Hebrew qadar, meaning “dark” or “gloomy.”
“In this series, we’ll zero in on one particular valley—the Kidron Valley—a real, historical site east of Jerusalem, symbolizing life’s darkest decisions.”
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”
Session 2
Absalom’s Monument: Pride in the Shadows
“Will you choose the lamp or the shovel?”
Absalom built a monument in the Kidron Valley to preserve his name (2 Samuel 18:18). His story shows pride’s deadly trap.
“He that diggeth a pit shall fall into it; and whoso breaketh an hedge a serpent shall bite him.”
Session 3
David’s Tears: Humility in the Shadows
“Same valley, different hearts.”
David fled Absalom’s rebellion, crossing gloomy Kidron in tears (2 Samuel 15:23–30). In shadows, he chose humility.
“The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.”
Session 4
Jesus in the Shadows: Light in Gethsemane
“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.”
“Jesus’ humility turns Kidron’s darkness into the dawn of redemption.”
“Let’s step into the shadows together—and emerge stronger!”
From the introduction to the series
$15per month · All-Access
Join All-AccessIncluded in All-Access: $15/month or $150/year. Opens smr.church.
- Collection
- Youth Series
- Format
- ZIP download
- File
- ValleyOfShadows.zip