What do you think?
Rate this book
Walking with God through Deep Valleys: Lessons on Finding Contentment when Life is Hard
All of life is not lived on mountaintops. We will experience some deep valleys of pain, disappointment, uncertainty, sickness, grief, and even the valley of the shadow of death. Sometimes multitudes enter long and deep valleys together, as in prolonged seasons of war, or the COVID-19 pandemic that brought many to hardship, uncertainty, and fear. Yet, it often feels like we are walking through a deep valley alone. It doesn't have to be that way – Scripture makes it clear that if we have even a little faith, the Lord walks with us and guides us. If we keep our eyes on Him, our deepest valleys will strengthen and enrich our walk with God. Stephen Gammon faithfully served God for 40 years as a pastor and military chaplain. Then, in October 2018, he was diagnosed with cancer (Multiple Myeloma); he and his wife Helen entered this deep valley, walking with God by faith. With personal vulnerability and spiritual insight, he posted regular medical updates on the CaringBridge website, sharing many priceless lessons learned while walking with God through their valley. Tens of thousands of online visits and innumerable personal responses and reflections from readers attest to the power of these truths. Now edited and published in this book, these lessons will point you towards genuine contentment and peace as you walk through your own deep valleys. About the Author Dr. Stephen Gammon is a third-generation minister who has walked with God since early childhood. A pastor for 40 years, wherever and whenever God led him, he served in three local church pastorates, as a denominational leader of ministers and churches (Conservative Congregational Christian Conference), and as an Active Duty and Navy Reserve chaplain. Steve and his wife, Helen, now reside in Northfield, Minnesota. They have three adult children and four grandsons.
378 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2020
362 people are currently reading
110 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
January 19, 2021
On knowing God is with us in the darkest of times.
Dr. Gammon takes us on a journey few of us will ever face. He chronicles his life story from the time he was diagnosed with cancer until the present day. He travels a road few could hope to navigate without the unceasing presence of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Over that period of time, his faith was put to the test and with David he passed through the valley of the shadow of death. He now shares his story to all who will but listen. We too can have this kind of faith if we put our hand in the Hand of our Lord.
Dr. Gammon takes us on a journey few of us will ever face. He chronicles his life story from the time he was diagnosed with cancer until the present day. He travels a road few could hope to navigate without the unceasing presence of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Over that period of time, his faith was put to the test and with David he passed through the valley of the shadow of death. He now shares his story to all who will but listen. We too can have this kind of faith if we put our hand in the Hand of our Lord.
Read
September 1, 2021In trying to be a good Christian woman, if I had been asked to summarize the message of this book utilizing Scripture, I would have to answer by referencing PSALM 23 [NLT]:
[1] The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need.
[2] He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams.
[3] He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.
[4] Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.
[5] You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings.
[6] Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever.
As we walk with the Lord alongside us and we talk to Him we get filled with joy with what He chooses to divulge to us. We need to look at all of the items mentioned by the author in his description for the as being the trials and tribulations we’re being asked by the Lord to endure as He is simply testing us.
According to ROMANS 5:3-5 [NLT] regarding we are told:
"We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love."
At the same time, we need to keep the following in our minds:
"Dear friends, don't be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world."
1 PETER 4:12-13 [NLT]
As I read “Walking With the Lord Through Deep Valleys,” I believe Dr. Stephen Gammon desires for his readers to obtain a sense of honest gratification and serenity in their lives as the encounter the trials and tribulations that have been place in front of them by the Lord, through the lessons he gives them in the pages of his book.
For wanting to transform the lives of his readers and guide them to in confronting the challenges that have been placed in front of them, I’ve given Dr. Gammon the 5 STARS he has garnered from this reviewer of Christian books.
[1] The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need.
[2] He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams.
[3] He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.
[4] Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.
[5] You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings.
[6] Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever.
As we walk with the Lord alongside us and we talk to Him we get filled with joy with what He chooses to divulge to us. We need to look at all of the items mentioned by the author in his description for the as being the trials and tribulations we’re being asked by the Lord to endure as He is simply testing us.
According to ROMANS 5:3-5 [NLT] regarding we are told:
"We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love."
At the same time, we need to keep the following in our minds:
"Dear friends, don't be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world."
1 PETER 4:12-13 [NLT]
As I read “Walking With the Lord Through Deep Valleys,” I believe Dr. Stephen Gammon desires for his readers to obtain a sense of honest gratification and serenity in their lives as the encounter the trials and tribulations that have been place in front of them by the Lord, through the lessons he gives them in the pages of his book.
For wanting to transform the lives of his readers and guide them to in confronting the challenges that have been placed in front of them, I’ve given Dr. Gammon the 5 STARS he has garnered from this reviewer of Christian books.
August 13, 2023
I enjoyed this one.
Contentment is such a difficult thing to grasp, when your under so much pressures and attacks of the enemy. I am currently writing my life story with the deep valleys I have been blessed to have experienced. Through it I became closer to God and learned how to be content through the mental and physical agony. This book by Dr. Gammon has allowed me the privilege to understand that God uses our adversities to bring us much more closer to Him, especially when we were so far away. May God continue to bless you Dr. Gammon and your family.
Contentment is such a difficult thing to grasp, when your under so much pressures and attacks of the enemy. I am currently writing my life story with the deep valleys I have been blessed to have experienced. Through it I became closer to God and learned how to be content through the mental and physical agony. This book by Dr. Gammon has allowed me the privilege to understand that God uses our adversities to bring us much more closer to Him, especially when we were so far away. May God continue to bless you Dr. Gammon and your family.
May 24, 2025
Truly educational and uplifting
I am two months away from my 73rd birthday. I am fully aware that I have lived more years than still have to go. I accept that my body is fighting a losing battle, but my spirit and faith are still fighting fiercely for my salvation. Thank you for sharing your journey. You gave me insight, hope, and a roadmap that I can follow. I feel sure that you are an excellent shepherd to your flock and helped them to find the true path to their mansion. Thank you.
I am two months away from my 73rd birthday. I am fully aware that I have lived more years than still have to go. I accept that my body is fighting a losing battle, but my spirit and faith are still fighting fiercely for my salvation. Thank you for sharing your journey. You gave me insight, hope, and a roadmap that I can follow. I feel sure that you are an excellent shepherd to your flock and helped them to find the true path to their mansion. Thank you.
November 30, 2023
Learned so very much, just when you think you know all there is to know, it's not true! made my belief in Jesus and God that just richer if that is even possible! Understand so much more on questions I have no one to ask! Take a peek at this book because you will find yourself reading the whole book and wanting more!
February 6, 2022
a diary and meditation by the author in his difficult times. the author was diagnosed on cancer and then he need to struggle in the pandemic times also. its not easy, but the author show his faith, and his unwavering faith in these hard times.
December 23, 2022
Be strong, His knows all!
What a mighty faith this family has. I want that immovable faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Through it all the author depended on God, Lord continue to bless him please. The best foot soldier for Christ, that I have ever know.
What a mighty faith this family has. I want that immovable faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Through it all the author depended on God, Lord continue to bless him please. The best foot soldier for Christ, that I have ever know.
September 21, 2022
The author, a former minister, shares his journey with cancer and how God was present and faithful throughout. His deep and unwavering faith is inspiring!
October 12, 2022
Comforting, encouraging & challenging!
I recommend this book to anyone who is walking through the valley of cancer recovery. Rich encouragement! God bless you! -Rkr
I recommend this book to anyone who is walking through the valley of cancer recovery. Rich encouragement! God bless you! -Rkr
February 17, 2023
Uplifting and Encouraging
These devotionals almost read like a diary. Each entry always point to the Savoir. Some parts were a little boring, but the reading was powerful at the end
These devotionals almost read like a diary. Each entry always point to the Savoir. Some parts were a little boring, but the reading was powerful at the end
September 25, 2023
Wow!
This is a powerful read of an incredible Christian man overcoming his cancer treatments. He chronicles his journey & the courage he embraces.
This is a powerful read of an incredible Christian man overcoming his cancer treatments. He chronicles his journey & the courage he embraces.
April 17, 2025
Moving, with great points
This will make you sad, make you think, make you question and lots of other things. I will confess, it made me pray for the author
This will make you sad, make you think, make you question and lots of other things. I will confess, it made me pray for the author
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews