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Grace in the Valley: Awakening to God's Presence When He Feels Far Away
Perhaps no psalm is more widely known than Psalm 23. Spoken by David during a time of great stress and difficulty, it summons us to lie down in green pastures and walk thru the valley of the shadow of death. Yet so often it seems we do just the reverse, lying down in the valley and fixating on the danger, fear, and uncertainty. We wonder where God has gone and why he doesn't make things right, never considering that perhaps what we perceive as a spiritual trial is actually an invitation from God.
In this inspirational examination of Psalm 23, Heath Adamson asks the provocative What if the green pasture and valley of the shadow of death is the same place? Uncovering the rich historical and spiritual context of the shepherd's psalm, he explores how God has provided a place of rest for each of us, even in the times of unrest, uncertainty, moral ambiguity, and fear.
In this inspirational examination of Psalm 23, Heath Adamson asks the provocative What if the green pasture and valley of the shadow of death is the same place? Uncovering the rich historical and spiritual context of the shepherd's psalm, he explores how God has provided a place of rest for each of us, even in the times of unrest, uncertainty, moral ambiguity, and fear.
- GenresChristian
208 pages, Paperback
Published October 2, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 15, 2019
This was my first book by Heath Adamson. I liked it but after learning his history I would have liked more personal stories. And perhaps his other books have those. This book illustrated God's miracles and presence through many stories. Overall I really liked it!
November 5, 2018
Rating - If you are looking for something
Level - medium length, reads a little slow
Summary
It is hard to summarize this book as it was not what I thought it would be. I was expecting more of an exposition of Psalm 23. I knew it wasn't a true commentary, but this was pretty far off from what I had anticipated. The book is kind of a mix of autobiography, sermon, and exposition more or less on Psalm 23, but almost more focused on David, overall.
The book is broken into 11 chapter plus an intro and afterward. Each chapter is titled with what he plans to focus on and then correlates(ish) to a particular section of Psalm 23 (e.g. chapter 2, Does God Recognize You? and the Lord is my shepherd).
My Thoughts
I'm not entire sure what I think about this book. Overall it was pretty good. There were some valuable insights and the writing style is solid, though he lacks conciseness. I would have preferred more exposition and less autobiographical details. While some related, others seemed shoehorned in. I had a few theological issues with some of the more Pentecostal aspects of his story, but that doesn't cause the rest of the book to suffer.
The biggest flaw in the book was likely that he failed to meet his subtitle. His central argument is that the valley and green pasture may be the same place. I wasn't entirely convinced by his argument. Regardless, he doesn't really address God feeling far away, unless you think that bad things happening and God feeling far are perfectly correlated, instead of each happening independent of each other. Further, I think the book lacked both focuses on grace and the 'awakening God's presence.' Overall, the book was alright, the strength being when he did dig into the Psalm, but he didn't make that the focus or majority of the book. The content didn't really match the title/subtitle, which in his defense might have been the editors fault, so it wasn't quite what I wanted, but it could be worth it, if you are looking for something.
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
More reviews at MondayMorningTheolgian.com
Level - medium length, reads a little slow
Summary
It is hard to summarize this book as it was not what I thought it would be. I was expecting more of an exposition of Psalm 23. I knew it wasn't a true commentary, but this was pretty far off from what I had anticipated. The book is kind of a mix of autobiography, sermon, and exposition more or less on Psalm 23, but almost more focused on David, overall.
The book is broken into 11 chapter plus an intro and afterward. Each chapter is titled with what he plans to focus on and then correlates(ish) to a particular section of Psalm 23 (e.g. chapter 2, Does God Recognize You? and the Lord is my shepherd).
My Thoughts
I'm not entire sure what I think about this book. Overall it was pretty good. There were some valuable insights and the writing style is solid, though he lacks conciseness. I would have preferred more exposition and less autobiographical details. While some related, others seemed shoehorned in. I had a few theological issues with some of the more Pentecostal aspects of his story, but that doesn't cause the rest of the book to suffer.
The biggest flaw in the book was likely that he failed to meet his subtitle. His central argument is that the valley and green pasture may be the same place. I wasn't entirely convinced by his argument. Regardless, he doesn't really address God feeling far away, unless you think that bad things happening and God feeling far are perfectly correlated, instead of each happening independent of each other. Further, I think the book lacked both focuses on grace and the 'awakening God's presence.' Overall, the book was alright, the strength being when he did dig into the Psalm, but he didn't make that the focus or majority of the book. The content didn't really match the title/subtitle, which in his defense might have been the editors fault, so it wasn't quite what I wanted, but it could be worth it, if you are looking for something.
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
More reviews at MondayMorningTheolgian.com
October 19, 2018
One of the best books I've ever read on God’s grace in difficult times
In his new book, “Grace in the Valley: Awakening to God’s Presence When He Feels Far Away,” Heath Adamson shows readers how God is always there, walking with us in and through even the most difficult times of our lives – especially when He seems a million miles away.
Published by Baker Books, Adamson’s 208-page book beautifully lays out this very truth through one of the most powerful illustrations of God’s grace and presence – Psalm 23.
“When our circumstances don’t line up” and “what we see doesn’t agree with what our heart know to be true about God,” Adamson said, “We must become good at unlearning what we think we know and less skilled at knowing.”
Another truth he brings out so poignantly is “many of the valleys we experience in this life are not caused by God but by people.” God often allows the hardship of people purposely hurting us through their own selfishness and carnality. We feel alone, yet we are not.
The reality is God is still there in the midst of the pain people purposely inflict on us through no fault of our own (like the hateful and hurtful words written on a chalkboard by cruel classmates that an equally hateful teacher instigated, as Adamson describes in the opening). Right in the midst of our deepest pain, He is still there. It’s “God’s favorite place to be (Chapter 4).”
Overall, Adamson reminds us that God is with us in the deepest valleys perhaps even more than when we are on the highest mountaintops in our relationship with Him when we sojourn through this life. His book is well-written and timely for all who feel far away from God in their pain.
I gave it a 5 out of 5 stars.
Full disclosure: In accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, I received this book free through the Baker Books Bloggers Program. My opinions are my own and I wasn’t required to write a positive review.
© 2018 by Doug S.
In his new book, “Grace in the Valley: Awakening to God’s Presence When He Feels Far Away,” Heath Adamson shows readers how God is always there, walking with us in and through even the most difficult times of our lives – especially when He seems a million miles away.
Published by Baker Books, Adamson’s 208-page book beautifully lays out this very truth through one of the most powerful illustrations of God’s grace and presence – Psalm 23.
“When our circumstances don’t line up” and “what we see doesn’t agree with what our heart know to be true about God,” Adamson said, “We must become good at unlearning what we think we know and less skilled at knowing.”
Another truth he brings out so poignantly is “many of the valleys we experience in this life are not caused by God but by people.” God often allows the hardship of people purposely hurting us through their own selfishness and carnality. We feel alone, yet we are not.
The reality is God is still there in the midst of the pain people purposely inflict on us through no fault of our own (like the hateful and hurtful words written on a chalkboard by cruel classmates that an equally hateful teacher instigated, as Adamson describes in the opening). Right in the midst of our deepest pain, He is still there. It’s “God’s favorite place to be (Chapter 4).”
Overall, Adamson reminds us that God is with us in the deepest valleys perhaps even more than when we are on the highest mountaintops in our relationship with Him when we sojourn through this life. His book is well-written and timely for all who feel far away from God in their pain.
I gave it a 5 out of 5 stars.
Full disclosure: In accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, I received this book free through the Baker Books Bloggers Program. My opinions are my own and I wasn’t required to write a positive review.
© 2018 by Doug S.
October 27, 2018
Heath Adamson’s book, Grace in the Valley, provides several different perspectives on Psalm 23 that have emerged out of Adamson’s broken life before he met God. He says throughout the book that God takes the very difficulties we have in the Valley of the Shadow, the dark places of the soul and uses those to teach us our identity in Him and His character that is with us throughout our journey. He writes so that his readers can experience the God who nourishes and blesses their lives in the midst of the Valley of the Shadows they walk through. The theme of God restoring our identity in him runs consistently through the book, and it’s where Adamson maintains we will find rest and grace and peace. All that
is true, yet it seems he doesn’t understand the life of a shepherd’s care for sheep because he maintains that “we can dare to stand confidently in our valley and green pasture, for, after all, they are the same place”(Heath Adamson. Grace in the Valley: Awakening to God’s Presence When He Feels Far Away. Baker Books, 2018, p. 184). He then states that sheep lie down in the valley of the shadow. But that interpretation is off the mark. Sheep do Not lie down in the valley of the shadow of death; the shepherd takes them through that dangerous place because of the predators who lurk in the shadows. Instead, as the Scripture says, sheep are guided by the Shepherd to lie down in the green pastures where they are fed by the still waters and their soul restored. (See A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 by Philip Keller.) Adamson also goes down various bypaths as he tackles the main point of each chapter. This creates a more jumbled reading and lessens the impact of the good things he does say about the grace for Christians that God gives in the valleys.
3 Stars Mary Lou Codman-Wilson, PhD, 10/27/18
is true, yet it seems he doesn’t understand the life of a shepherd’s care for sheep because he maintains that “we can dare to stand confidently in our valley and green pasture, for, after all, they are the same place”(Heath Adamson. Grace in the Valley: Awakening to God’s Presence When He Feels Far Away. Baker Books, 2018, p. 184). He then states that sheep lie down in the valley of the shadow. But that interpretation is off the mark. Sheep do Not lie down in the valley of the shadow of death; the shepherd takes them through that dangerous place because of the predators who lurk in the shadows. Instead, as the Scripture says, sheep are guided by the Shepherd to lie down in the green pastures where they are fed by the still waters and their soul restored. (See A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 by Philip Keller.) Adamson also goes down various bypaths as he tackles the main point of each chapter. This creates a more jumbled reading and lessens the impact of the good things he does say about the grace for Christians that God gives in the valleys.
3 Stars Mary Lou Codman-Wilson, PhD, 10/27/18
November 23, 2018
One of the most well-known psalms is Psalm 23, a psalm of David. It’s beautiful, short and loved by many. A lot of people have either the whole psalm or a large portion of it memorized, sometimes without even knowing it. You may be familiar with the famous words “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want,” or “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me,” “My cup overflows,” or more. In his book “Grace in the Valley”, Heath Adamson examines both the historical context and spiritual meaning of Psalm 23.
“Grace in the Valley” reminds me so much of my church growing up, especially my youth pastor’s sermons. While reading a particular portion on perspective, I was reminded of something a pastor of mine said when I was in Jr. High. “God doesn’t always give you peace from the storm, but He will give you peace in the storm.” I believe this book could be beneficial to Christians, especially new believers in achieving that peace in the storm or valley.
Some folk from a more Reformed or traditional background may take issue with the heavy use of experience and a couple of minor things that were said, but it is not a bad book. Adamson’s personal experiences are charming. It’s well-written and not so theological that you have to re-read things until you understand them. I would say this book is more for those who feel lost, or hurt and don’t want cold theology, but desire someone simply to be there to relate with them.
I pray this book will comfort those it reaches and remind us that God is still good, still close even when our experiences seem to contradict who God has revealed himself to be.
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for honest review. For more reviews, check out SolasAndStruggles.com
“Grace in the Valley” reminds me so much of my church growing up, especially my youth pastor’s sermons. While reading a particular portion on perspective, I was reminded of something a pastor of mine said when I was in Jr. High. “God doesn’t always give you peace from the storm, but He will give you peace in the storm.” I believe this book could be beneficial to Christians, especially new believers in achieving that peace in the storm or valley.
Some folk from a more Reformed or traditional background may take issue with the heavy use of experience and a couple of minor things that were said, but it is not a bad book. Adamson’s personal experiences are charming. It’s well-written and not so theological that you have to re-read things until you understand them. I would say this book is more for those who feel lost, or hurt and don’t want cold theology, but desire someone simply to be there to relate with them.
I pray this book will comfort those it reaches and remind us that God is still good, still close even when our experiences seem to contradict who God has revealed himself to be.
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for honest review. For more reviews, check out SolasAndStruggles.com
January 24, 2019
“Grace in the Valley” by Heath Adamson is a remarkable addition to the Christian Non-Fiction genre from Baker. Written by an author who has certainly seen valleys in his life, compassion and understanding are evident as we are shown new depths and layers to David’s beloved Psalm 23.
I love how this book takes many famous figures of the Bible and gives us deeper meaning to their stories. In this book, David, Daniel, Abraham and others are no longer just historical figures that we are supposed to read about. Instead, they become very real and relatable, especially David. I also enjoyed learning more about shepherds during Biblical times, as this offers much more depth to numerous verses found in the Old and New Testaments.
A primary theme of this book is identity, and learning who we are outside of our current circumstances, without the everyday muck of life. In short, it helps us learn who God says we are, which is often much more than we would initially believe. For this reason, this book can at times remind me of the message found in “The 49th Mystic”, written by Ted Dekker. On the back cover of ”Grace in the Valley”, we see Ted Dekker’s endorsement, which, to be honest is a big reason that I decided to pick up this book, and I’m very glad I did.
“Grace in the Valley” is an excellent choice for those who have gone or are going through a valley in their lives. It offers compassion and understanding, but also will help to shift your perspective to perhaps help you see this valley a little more how God sees it, and cling to Him, even in the darkness, through it all.
I am grateful to have received a copy of this book from Baker Books Bloggers, free of charge, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
I love how this book takes many famous figures of the Bible and gives us deeper meaning to their stories. In this book, David, Daniel, Abraham and others are no longer just historical figures that we are supposed to read about. Instead, they become very real and relatable, especially David. I also enjoyed learning more about shepherds during Biblical times, as this offers much more depth to numerous verses found in the Old and New Testaments.
A primary theme of this book is identity, and learning who we are outside of our current circumstances, without the everyday muck of life. In short, it helps us learn who God says we are, which is often much more than we would initially believe. For this reason, this book can at times remind me of the message found in “The 49th Mystic”, written by Ted Dekker. On the back cover of ”Grace in the Valley”, we see Ted Dekker’s endorsement, which, to be honest is a big reason that I decided to pick up this book, and I’m very glad I did.
“Grace in the Valley” is an excellent choice for those who have gone or are going through a valley in their lives. It offers compassion and understanding, but also will help to shift your perspective to perhaps help you see this valley a little more how God sees it, and cling to Him, even in the darkness, through it all.
I am grateful to have received a copy of this book from Baker Books Bloggers, free of charge, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
November 7, 2018
Grace in the Valley is a book that seeks to offer comfort to those going through the valley of life. Using the concept of a central point in the text -- a quality of poetry found often in Hebrew poems -- Heath Adamson declares that verse 4a, "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for you are with me" forms the nexus upon which we should understand the rest of the Psalm. Exploring each phrase in the psalm and how it relates to this central idea is the thesis of this book.
Overall, Adamson does a commendable job with the task. He enlightens readers as to how God is present in their lives as shepherd even when the valley threatens. Each phrase expanding out from the valley forms a testimony of God's presence and care in life.
Unfortunately, there are times when Adamson stretches the text to get his point across or provides an illustration that could leave the reader with a less than adequate understanding of what Adamson sees in the text. In addition, Adamson fails to explore the richness of Hebrew poetry and that having a central point in Hebrew poems is often a method of emphasis or focus. If he had explored this motif at the start of his book, it would likely have made the argument stronger.
This said, the book offers great comfort to those who believe in God who are walking through the valley. God is certainly with us in the valley moments of life, ultimately leading us to safer pasture and to sup at his table in the house of the Lord forever.
I received this book as part of the blogging program from Baker Publishing.
Overall, Adamson does a commendable job with the task. He enlightens readers as to how God is present in their lives as shepherd even when the valley threatens. Each phrase expanding out from the valley forms a testimony of God's presence and care in life.
Unfortunately, there are times when Adamson stretches the text to get his point across or provides an illustration that could leave the reader with a less than adequate understanding of what Adamson sees in the text. In addition, Adamson fails to explore the richness of Hebrew poetry and that having a central point in Hebrew poems is often a method of emphasis or focus. If he had explored this motif at the start of his book, it would likely have made the argument stronger.
This said, the book offers great comfort to those who believe in God who are walking through the valley. God is certainly with us in the valley moments of life, ultimately leading us to safer pasture and to sup at his table in the house of the Lord forever.
I received this book as part of the blogging program from Baker Publishing.
December 12, 2018
I was first introduced to the ministry of speaker, writer, advocate, and denominational leader Heath Adamson in 2017 when I attended a conference in which he was one of the speakers(he was also my favorite speaker). That’s why I got a copy of Grace in the Valley as soon as possible.
In Grace in the Valley, Adamson provides fresh perspective on one of the most well known and most quoted passages in the Bible: Psalm 23. The book is mostly a commentary of this chapter, providing insight into King David’s life and sharing real life stories in an attempt to bring out the nuances of this passage. I highly recommend this book and Heath Adamson’s ministry in general.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
In Grace in the Valley, Adamson provides fresh perspective on one of the most well known and most quoted passages in the Bible: Psalm 23. The book is mostly a commentary of this chapter, providing insight into King David’s life and sharing real life stories in an attempt to bring out the nuances of this passage. I highly recommend this book and Heath Adamson’s ministry in general.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 30, 2018
This book was an incredible writing and compelling to read with that also reminding us to know of how God having love to us all and we need to be patient. Mostly when we feel of losing hope in our life and looking for complaining from all the fall and mistake was happen and making the reason why God wasn’t help. This book will giving us to know and leading us to the Valley of our God will bring us from the darkness and see the light in our life again. I highly recommend to everyone must to read this book. “ I received complimentary a copy of this book from Baker Books Bloggers for this review”.
October 1, 2018
This is a heavy-hitting emotional/spiritual journey through a very familiar pericope know as the 23rd Psalm. Incredibly insightful in its approach. The author's first-hand travel to the Holy Land sets the contextual backdrop for his thoughtful look at this often thoughtlessly quoted passage.
Disclaimer: I have been following Heath's writings/teaching for a few years now and I can confidently say, that if you want a rare glimpse into a progressive, brilliant, and God-fearing person's mind... read this book. It is the amalgamation of all things "Heath."
Disclaimer: I have been following Heath's writings/teaching for a few years now and I can confidently say, that if you want a rare glimpse into a progressive, brilliant, and God-fearing person's mind... read this book. It is the amalgamation of all things "Heath."
April 6, 2019
You will never read Psalm 23 the same way. There is so much richness in that Psalm that I hadn't fully tapped into until reading this book. Heath brings each verse to life as he unpacks it in the life of David and in his own life. Additional snippets of others' stories further illustrates what Psalm 23 truly means in the life of a believer. Even if you're not currently in a valley moment, this book will speak to you.
October 2, 2018
Grace in the Valley by Heath Adamson is a must read! Psalm 23 is a familiar passage to many people, but the content in this book will give you greater insight and a unique perspective. This book has blown me away with information, historical context, and real-life application. You will walk away with knowledge that will help you live this life no matter what season of life you are in.
May 1, 2025
beautiful and powerful reminders for those walking in a valley
Words cannot adequately express the depth of my gratitude for this book and its author. It is a must read whether you’re brought low in a valley or basking atop a peak. Find hope, encouragement, and wisdom no matter where you are - but especially those of us walking in a spiritual valley
Words cannot adequately express the depth of my gratitude for this book and its author. It is a must read whether you’re brought low in a valley or basking atop a peak. Find hope, encouragement, and wisdom no matter where you are - but especially those of us walking in a spiritual valley
January 26, 2021
Few books have rattled my soul like this one. I couldn’t put it down. It literally drew me to my knees by the end. I went back to the book store and bought every copy to give to friends who are either on the valley or have been. This book is literally for everyone.
November 22, 2021
This is a good, quiet book for devotion time and thinking about what faith means and how to live by what you believe. It breaks down scriptures into easy to apply pieces. It is well written and worth reading.
June 22, 2021
Unique insights from Psalm 23. Refreshing and encouraging.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews