KEEP WALKING: When Running Isn’t an Option. Psalm 23:4

 

KEEP WALKING: When Running Isn’t an Option

A Sermon on Navigating the Pain of Grief and Depression Following the Death of a Loved One

Pastor Kyev Tatum, Sr., New Mount Rose Missionary Baptist Church, Fort Worth, Texas

Scripture Focus: Psalm 23:4

“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.”

Introduction: A Personal Journey Through Grief

Grief is not a stranger to me. I have lived it, breathed it, and walked through its darkest valleys. I am the ninth of ten children raised by a single mother. Of the eleven people in my family, nine have died before reaching the age of 65. I have buried siblings, I have buried loved ones, and I have wrestled with the pain of seeing my family members pass, one by one.

There were moments when the weight of grief crushed me, when depression sat at my bedside like an unwelcome visitor, whispering lies of hopelessness. But I learned something through it all—you cannot rush grief. You cannot outrun sorrow. The only way through it is to walk, step by step, trusting that God will lead you through the valley.

This sermon is for those who are grieving, for those who feel like they are drowning in sorrow, for those who have wondered, “Lord, how do I keep going?”

If you have ever felt like giving up, this message is for you.

I. The Valley is Real, But So is God

The Reality of Grief

• Psalm 23:4 does not say, if we walk through the valley, but “though” we walk through it.

• The valley is a place of darkness, uncertainty, and sorrow.

• Grief is not just an emotion—it is a process, a journey.

My Personal Valley

• I know what it feels like to wake up and feel the weight of loss.

• I know the silence that follows after the funeral, when everyone else goes back to their lives, but your world is shattered.

• But I also know God walks with us in the valley.

Biblical Assurance

• Isaiah 41:10 – “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee.”

• John 11:35 – “Jesus wept.” If Jesus Himself grieved, then it’s okay for us to grieve too.

Application

• Acknowledge your grief—don’t suppress it.

• Know that grief is a valley, not a destination—you will walk through it, not stay in it.

• Hold onto God’s promise that He is with you.

II. You Can’t Run Through Grief—You Must Walk Through It

The Temptation to Run

• Some try to outrun grief through distractions—work, alcohol, busyness.

• Others try to numb it, pretending it doesn’t exist.

• But grief is like a wound—if you don’t allow it to heal properly, it will continue to hurt.

The Pace of Healing

• Healing is not a sprint; it is a slow, deliberate walk.

• Psalm 30:5 – “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.”

• Morning comes in God’s time, not ours.

Personal Testimony

• There were times I wanted to run away from my grief, but every time I tried, it only made things worse.

• I had to learn how to sit in my sorrow and trust that God was still working, even in the pain.

Application

• Give yourself permission to grieve at your own pace.

• Trust that God is walking with you, even when you feel alone.

• Remember: You may not be running, but as long as you’re still walking, you’re still moving forward.

III. When Grief Turns to Depression: Finding Divine Directions

The Weight of Depression

• Losing so many loved ones made me question my purpose.

• Grief, if left unchecked, can turn into deep sadness and hopelessness.

• Depression whispers, “You will never feel whole again.”

• But God’s Word reminds us, we are never without hope.

God’s Directions in the Darkness

• Psalm 42:11 – “Why art thou cast down, O my soul? And why art thou disquieted within me? Hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him.”

• Even in grief, God has a purpose for your pain.

• Romans 8:28 – “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God.”

• God can turn your sorrow into service, your pain into purpose.

Personal Transformation

• Instead of allowing my grief to consume me, I allowed it to propel me into my calling.

• Every loss deepened my resolve to serve, to love, and to make a difference in the lives of others.

• I turned my depression into divine direction.

Application

• Let God take your grief and turn it into something greater.

• Find ways to honor your loved ones through acts of kindness and service.

• Remember: Your story is not over—God is still writing it.

IV. Keep Walking—Even When You Don’t Feel Like It

The Power of Perseverance

• Psalm 23:4 says, “I will fear no evil, for thou art with me.”

• God’s presence is our strength to keep moving forward.

• Some days, walking will feel impossible—but keep walking anyway.

Illustration: Footprints in the Sand

• When we feel weakest, that is when God carries us.

Encouragement for the Grieving

• You are not alone.

• Your pain is real, but so is God’s promise.

• One step at a time, one prayer at a time, you will make it through the valley.

Activity: “Writing a Letter to God”

• Ask congregation members to write a letter to God about their grief.

• Encourage honesty—God can handle our pain.

• Invite them to offer their grief to God in prayer.

Conclusion: Walking Out of the Valley

Final Encouragement

• If you are grieving, know this:

• You don’t have to run. You don’t have to have all the answers.

• Just keep walking.

• God is with you, and He will carry you through.

• Revelation 21:4 – “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”

Closing Prayer

“Heavenly Father, we bring our grief to You. We are tired, we are broken, but we trust that You are with us. Walk with us through this valley, give us strength to keep moving forward, and remind us that You will never leave us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Final Thought

“Grief is a valley, but it is not your final destination. Keep walking, and trust that God is leading you to healing, hope, and joy.”