The Switchbacks of the Valley (Why Healing Feels Repetitive)

Have you ever thought, "Lord, why are we talking about this again?"

You thought you had forgiven. You thought you had healed. You thought you had moved forward. And then, suddenly, an old wound, fear, memory, or trigger appears again.

Welcome to the switchbacks of the valley.

In this episode, Dana shares a humorous hiking story from the mountains of the Pacific Northwest and reveals how the Lord often uses switchbacks in our healing journey after divorce. Although these seasons may feel repetitive, they are often God's way of strengthening our faith, building endurance, protecting our hearts, and preparing us for the next stage of the journey.

The Shepherd knows the trail—even when we don't.

In this episode, we'll discuss:

Scriptures in this episode

Remember, friend, you are not going backward.

You are going higher.

We are the fragrance of Christ,

Dana

If this ministry has blessed you, you can buy me coffee through Ko-Fi:

BUY ME COFFEE LINK: https://ko-fi.com/ribuymecoffeedonations

LINK TREE: https://redeemed-identity.com/links/

An encouraging word article: https://redeemed-identity.com/2024/02/19/a-word-of-encouragement-for-you/

Embracing Christ's Design: https://redeemed-identity.com/2024/03/26/embracing-christs-design-amid-divorce/

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/redeemidentity/

TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@redeemedidentity

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redeemedidentityafterdivorce/#

Free ebook: Who Am I After Divorce? Contact [email protected].

Are you a divorced Christian needing encouragement? Do you struggle with how to see yourself since your divorce? This free ebook will encourage you and remind you who and WHOSE you are!

Amazon:

Healing After Divorce Paperback:

https://a.co/d/8mjG6dp

WHERE CAN YOU FIND THE SHOW:

PODCAST:

APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/redeemed-identity-after-divorce-christian-divorce-encouragement/id1752761447

YOUTUBE:

https://www.youtube.com/@RedeemedIdentityAfterDivorce

Guest Scheduling

https://redeemed-identity.com/scheduling/

Redeemed Identity After Divorce is the podcast that helps you re-remember who you are after your divorce. After all, divorce is a sandstorm, and we all need goggles.

#ChristianDivorce #DivorceRecovery #HealingAfterDivorce #ChristianPodcast #FaithAfterDivorce #Psalm23 #SpiritualHealing #IdentityInChrist

Trust is not a feeling. Trust is choosing to follow the next trail marker—even when you can't see the entire path.

After the feast in the presence of our enemies, the Shepherd tells us it’s time to get up and keep walking. But that’s often when doubt and fear show up again—especially when betrayal, abandonment, and loss have taught us to be cautious about trusting.

So how do we learn to trust God again when we can't see where He's taking us?

In this episode, we follow five trail markers for learning to trust the Shepherd:

Then comes a mini pep talk for anyone who is afraid to trust again—to hope again, love again, serve again, or dream again.

Because the Shepherd doesn't merely know the way.

The Shepherd IS the way.

You aren't following a map.

And when the trail suddenly turns into a switchback, remember: God never promised us a straight path. He promised to walk it with us.

IT IS WRITTEN

When doubt shows up, reach into your backpack and remind yourself:

Trail Mix for the Journey

Three things to keep in your spiritual backpack:

Scripture. Gratitude. Remembrance.

Because when doubt comes, you can reach into your pack and say:

"The Shepherd fed me here once before. He'll feed me again."

And somewhere in heaven, the Shepherd smiles and says, "Good thing I packed leftovers." 😊

Scripture Mentioned

Psalm 100:5

If this episode encouraged you, please follow the podcast, leave a review, and share it with someone who may be struggling to trust God after divorce. Your engagement helps us reach other hurting people who need to know they haven't been forgotten.

And remember…

D is a S. Microdermabrasion is cheaper.

Join me next time as we explore the switchbacks of the VOSOD—why they're there and how God can use them in our healing journey.

We are the fragrance of Christ,

Dana

If this ministry has blessed you, you can buy me coffee through Ko-Fi:

BUY ME COFFEE LINK: https://ko-fi.com/ribuymecoffeedonations

LINK TREE: https://redeemed-identity.com/links/

An encouraging word article: https://redeemed-identity.com/2024/02/19/a-word-of-encouragement-for-you/

Embracing Christ's Design: https://redeemed-identity.com/2024/03/26/embracing-christs-design-amid-divorce/

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/redeemidentity/

TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@redeemedidentity

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redeemedidentityafterdivorce/#

Free ebook: Who Am I After Divorce? Contact [email protected].

Are you a divorced Christian needing encouragement? Do you struggle with how to see yourself since your divorce? This free ebook will encourage you and remind you who and WHOSE you are!

Amazon:

Healing After Divorce Paperback:

https://a.co/d/8mjG6dp

WHERE CAN YOU FIND THE SHOW:

PODCAST:

APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/redeemed-identity-after-divorce-christian-divorce-encouragement/id1752761447

YOUTUBE:

https://www.youtube.com/@RedeemedIdentityAfterDivorce

Guest Scheduling

https://redeemed-identity.com/scheduling/

#RedeemedIdentityAfterDivorce #ChristianDivorceRecovery #HealingAfterDivorce #TrustGod #TrustingGod #DivorceRecovery #ChristianHealing #FaithAfterDivorce #SpiritualHealing #GodsFaithfulness

Psalm 23:5

"You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over."

Why doesn't God simply remove our enemies?

Why doesn't He silence the accusations, erase the pain, and close the mouths of the people who wounded us?

Instead, He does something completely unexpected.

He sets the table.

In this episode of Redeemed Identity After Divorce, we continue our journey through the Valley of the Shadow of Divorce (VOSOD) and explore one of the most beautiful and surprising images in all of Scripture.

Together, we'll uncover the rich Hebrew meanings behind the words shulchan (table), tsarar

 (enemies), dishan (anoint), shemen (oil), kos (cup), and revayah (overflowing).

We'll discover that God isn't waiting for the valley to end before He cares for us. He is offering peace, honor, protection, healing, and abundance right in the middle of it.

After all, the Shepherd has become the Host.

In this episode, we'll discuss:

Truth Bombs

💥 Your seat at God's table was purchased by Jesus, not approved by people.

💥 God is not merely tolerating you after your divorce. He is restoring, healing, and honoring you.

Identity Checks

❤️ Are you living as someone invited to God's table, or are you standing outside the tent because shame told you that you don't belong there?

❤️ What if the valley isn't evidence that God has abandoned you? What if it's the very place where He intends to reveal your true identity?

Homework

Assignment #1: Pull Up a Chair

Place an empty chair at your kitchen table.

Spend ten minutes talking with the Lord as though you were sitting at His table.

Write down what you believe He would say to you.

Assignment #2: Identify the Tsarar or the Enemies

Make a list of everything that has been squeezing, restricting, binding, or distressing you.

Then write these words at the bottom of the page:

"You may watch, but you may not sit at my table."

Assignment #3: Overflow Journal

Every evening, write down three ways God provided for you that day.

Remember this:

God did not abandon you in the valley.

He did not forget you in the valley.

And He certainly did not leave you hungry there.

The King has prepared a table.

Your name is on the invitation.

All you have to do is pull up a chair.

We are the fragrance of Christ,

Dana

If this ministry has blessed you, you can buy me coffee through Ko-Fi:

BUY ME COFFEE LINK: https://ko-fi.com/ribuymecoffeedonations

LINK TREE: https://redeemed-identity.com/links/

An encouraging word article: https://redeemed-identity.com/2024/02/19/a-word-of-encouragement-for-you/

Embracing Christ's Design: https://redeemed-identity.com/2024/03/26/embracing-christs-design-amid-divorce/

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/redeemidentity/

TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@redeemedidentity

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redeemedidentityafterdivorce/#

Free ebook: Who Am I After Divorce? Contact [email protected].

Are you a divorced Christian needing encouragement? Do you struggle with how to see yourself since your divorce? This free ebook will encourage you and remind you who and WHOSE you are!

Amazon:

Healing After Divorce Paperback:

https://a.co/d/8mjG6dp

WHERE CAN YOU FIND THE SHOW:

PODCAST:

APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/redeemed-identity-after-divorce-christian-divorce-encouragement/id1752761447

YOUTUBE:

https://www.youtube.com/@RedeemedIdentityAfterDivorce

Guest Scheduling

https://redeemed-identity.com/scheduling/

You've survived the bandits, endured the echoes, wrestled with silence, discovered mercy in the cave, and surrendered everything God never intended you to carry.

Now it's time to shoulder your backpack and leave the valley.

In this episode of Redeemed Identity After Divorce, we're talking about what happens when healing becomes movement. The valley may have changed you, but it was never meant to define you.

Together, we'll explore:

If you've been camping in the Valley of the Shadow of Divorce, this episode is your invitation to stand up, shoulder your backpack, and take the next faithful step.

Because the valley was never your destination.

Identity Check

"I am no longer defined by where I hid. I am defined by the One who called me out."

Scriptures referenced:

Practical challenge:

Don't try to conquer the next five years.

Find your next trail marker.

Take one faithful step.

Remember, friend, divorce is a sandstorm ... and the map is upside down.

But the Shepherd still knows the way.

If this episode encouraged you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs hope today.

Blessings,

Dana

BUY ME COFFEE LINK:

If this podcast has encouraged you, you can support my work here ☕💛 It truly helps me keep creating episodes for people healing after divorce.

https://ko-fi.com/ribuymecoffeedonations

WEBSITE: www.redeemed-identity.com

LINK TREE: https://redeemed-identity.com/links/

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/redeemidentity/

TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@redeemedidentity

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redeemedidentityafterdivorce/#

Amazon:

Healing After Divorce Paperback:

https://a.co/d/8mjG6dp

WHERE CAN YOU FIND THE SHOW:

PODCAST:

APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/redeemed-identity-after-divorce-christian-divorce-encouragement/id1752761447

YOUTUBE:

https://www.youtube.com/@RedeemedIdentityAfterDivorce

not to take with you?

In this episode of the Valley of Divorce series, we're standing at the edge of the Valley and asking one life-changing question:

What are you willing to leave behind?

Divorce often leaves us carrying far more than grief. We pick up fear, shame, bitterness, false identities, unhealthy patterns, and the exhausting need to control what we were never meant to carry. But before God leads us into the next season, He lovingly invites us to lay those burdens down.

Drawing from John 12, Romans 8 and 12, and the lives of Joseph, Jonah, David, and Jesus, we'll discover that the Valley isn't just a place of survival—it's a place of surrender and transformation.

In this episode you'll discover:

Reflection Homework:

Remember...

You are not what happened to you.

You are who Christ says you are.

"It is written."

Next time, we'll stop talking about what to leave behind and discover what God wants you to carry out of the Valley.

Scriptures in this episode:

Blessings,

Dana

Amazon:

Healing After Divorce Paperback:

https://a.co/d/8mjG6dp

WHERE CAN YOU FIND THE SHOW:

PODCAST:

APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/redeemed-identity-after-divorce-christian-divorce-encouragement/id1752761447

YOUTUBE:

https://www.youtube.com/@RedeemedIdentityAfterDivorce

After divorce, it's natural to want to hide.

Maybe you've pulled away from friends, stopped serving, or found yourself retreating into what feels like an emotional cave. If so, you're not alone—and you may be surprised to discover that God has a purpose for caves.

In this episode of Redeemed Identity After Divorce, we're continuing our Valley of the Shadow of Divorce series by exploring how God often uses hidden places to protect us, restore us, and prepare us for what's next.

Throughout Scripture, caves were places of refuge. David found shelter in the Cave of Adullam. Elijah encountered God's gentle voice in a cave. These weren't places of defeat—they were places of transformation.

But there's also an important warning.

The cave that once protected you can become the place that keeps you stuck.

God never intended the cave to become your permanent address.

If you've been hiding, healing, or wondering whether it's time to step back into life again, this episode is for you.

In this episode, you'll discover:

Key Scripture

Truth Bombs

💣 God hides people He intends to heal—not people He intends to abandon.

💣 Resting in the cave is healthy. Building a house there is not.

💣 The Shepherd never calls you to stay where He only intended you to recover.

If this episode encouraged you, please follow the podcast, leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts, and share it with someone who may be walking through their own valley. Your review helps other hurting Christians discover hope and healing.

We are the fragrance of Christ,

Dana

If this ministry has blessed you, you can buy me coffee through Ko-Fi:

BUY ME COFFEE LINK: https://ko-fi.com/ribuymecoffeedonations

LINK TREE: https://redeemed-identity.com/links/

An encouraging word article: https://redeemed-identity.com/2024/02/19/a-word-of-encouragement-for-you/

Embracing Christ's Design: https://redeemed-identity.com/2024/03/26/embracing-christs-design-amid-divorce/

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/redeemidentity/

TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@redeemedidentity

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redeemedidentityafterdivorce/#

Free ebook: Who Am I After Divorce? Contact [email protected].

Are you a divorced Christian needing encouragement? Do you struggle with how to see yourself since your divorce? This free ebook will encourage you and remind you who and WHOSE you are!

Amazon:

Healing After Divorce Paperback:

https://a.co/d/8mjG6dp

WHERE YOU CAN FIND THE SHOW:

PODCAST:

APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/redeemed-identity-after-divorce-christian-divorce-encouragement/id1752761447

YOUTUBE:

https://www.youtube.com/@RedeemedIdentityAfterDivorce

Guest Scheduling

https://redeemed-identity.com/scheduling/

Divorce can feel like a walk through the Valley of the Shadow of Death.

Not because you have physically died, but because so much of life as you knew it has. Dreams. Plans. Identity. Security. Relationships. The future you thought you would have.

In this powerful episode of Redeemed Identity After Divorce, we explore the famous words of Psalm 23 and uncover what the "Valley of the Shadow of Death" meant to those living in biblical times. We'll look at why valleys were places of danger, uncertainty, and vulnerability—and how those same realities often mirror the experience of divorce.

If you've ever felt lost, abandoned, overwhelmed, or unsure how you'll make it through another day, this episode is for you.

You'll discover:

✔️ What the Valley of the Shadow of Death represented in biblical culture

The valley may be dark, but it is not permanent. The Good Shepherd never abandons His sheep, and He is with you every step of the journey.

If you're walking through one of the hardest seasons of your life, this episode will remind you that God is still leading, still protecting, and still writing your story.

Key Scripture:

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me."

Resources Mentioned:

📖 Amazon:

Healing After Divorce Paperback:

https://a.co/d/8mjG6dp

Dana

Connect with Redeemed Identity After Divorce:

🎙 Podcast: Redeemed Identity After Divorce

Enjoying the podcast?

Please follow, rate, and review the show on Apple Podcasts. Your review helps other divorced Christians find hope, healing, and biblical encouragement during one of life's most difficult journeys.

#ChristianDivorce #DivorceRecovery #Psalm23 #ValleyOfTheShadowOfDeath #HealingAfterDivorce #FaithAfterDivorce #ChristianPodcast #RedeemedIdentityAfterDivorce #BiblicalHealing #DivorceSupport #ChristianEncouragement #HopeAfterDivorce #Psalm23Study #GodsPresence #EmotionalHealing

Have you ever prayed for your marriage, your healing, or your future... only to be met with silence?

If you've wondered whether God has stopped listening—or worse, stopped caring—you're not alone.

In this episode of Redeemed Identity After Divorce, Dana continues the Valley of the Shadow of Divorce series by looking at the story of Elijah in 1 Kings 19. After one of the greatest victories of his life, Elijah found himself exhausted, afraid, isolated, and convinced he was alone. Yet it was in the quiet of the cave that God met him—not with wind, fire, or an earthquake, but with a gentle whisper.

Discover why God's silence is never the same as His absence, how fear distorts what faith once believed, and why your divorce has not canceled your calling. If you're walking through a season where Heaven feels quiet, this episode will remind you that the Good Shepherd never leaves the valley.

In This Episode

Key Scriptures

Truth to Remember

Identity Check

The valley may change where you're walking, but it never changes whose you are. Your identity is not defined by divorce—it is rooted in Christ.

If this episode encouraged you, please follow the podcast, leave a rating and written review on Apple Podcasts, and share this episode with someone who needs hope today. Your review helps more hurting hearts discover that healing and purpose are still possible after divorce.

We are the fragrance of Christ,

Dana

If this ministry has blessed you, you can buy me coffee through Ko-Fi:

BUY ME COFFEE LINK: https://ko-fi.com/ribuymecoffeedonations

LINK TREE: https://redeemed-identity.com/links/

An encouraging word article: https://redeemed-identity.com/2024/02/19/a-word-of-encouragement-for-you/

Embracing Christ's Design: https://redeemed-identity.com/2024/03/26/embracing-christs-design-amid-divorce/

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/redeemidentity/

TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@redeemedidentity

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redeemedidentityafterdivorce/#

Free ebook: Who Am I After Divorce? Contact [email protected].

Are you a divorced Christian needing encouragement? Do you struggle with how to see yourself since your divorce? This free ebook will encourage you and remind you who and WHOSE you are!

Amazon:

Healing After Divorce Paperback:

https://a.co/d/8mjG6dp

WHERE CAN YOU FIND THE SHOW:

PODCAST:

APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/redeemed-identity-after-divorce-christian-divorce-encouragement/id1752761447

YOUTUBE:

https://www.youtube.com/@RedeemedIdentityAfterDivorce

There are bandits hiding in the valley of divorce—and they're after more than your marriage.

Fear whispers that your future is over. Shame tells you you'll never recover. Guilt keeps replaying yesterday, and lies slowly begin to sound like truth.

In this episode of Redeemed Identity After Divorce, we're continuing our Valley of the Shadow of Death series by exposing the spiritual bandits that try to steal your identity while you're walking through one of life's deepest valleys.

Psalm 23 reminds us that God never intended for us to build a home in the valley. We are called to walk through it—with the Good Shepherd leading every step.

Together we'll uncover:

No matter what you've lost, your identity has never been determined by your divorce. It has always been determined by Christ.

If you've been feeling trapped in the cave, discouraged by the journey, or wondering if you'll ever feel like yourself again, this episode is for you.

Scriptures Mentioned:

Resources

If this episode encouraged you, would you take a moment to follow the podcast, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs hope today? Every share helps another hurting heart discover that healing—and identity—can be found in Christ.

We are the fragrance of Christ,

Dana

If this ministry has blessed you, you can buy me coffee through Ko-Fi:

BUY ME COFFEE LINK: https://ko-fi.com/ribuymecoffeedonations

LINK TREE: https://redeemed-identity.com/links/

An encouraging word article: https://redeemed-identity.com/2024/02/19/a-word-of-encouragement-for-you/

Embracing Christ's Design: https://redeemed-identity.com/2024/03/26/embracing-christs-design-amid-divorce/

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/redeemidentity/

TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@redeemedidentity

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redeemedidentityafterdivorce/#

Are you a divorced Christian needing encouragement? Do you struggle with how to see yourself since your divorce? This free ebook will encourage you and remind you who and WHOSE you are!

Amazon:

Healing After Divorce Paperback:

https://a.co/d/8mjG6dp

WHERE CAN YOU FIND THE SHOW:

PODCAST:

APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/redeemed-identity-after-divorce-christian-divorce-encouragement/id1752761447

YOUTUBE:

https://www.youtube.com/@RedeemedIdentityAfterDivorce

Guest Scheduling

https://redeemed-identity.com/scheduling/

FOR MUSIC "SMILE":

Music I use: Bensound.com

Funny Song

License code: DM5CQOZKF0EUTN1L

Hashtags:

#divorcedlife, #christiandivorce, #divorce, #divorcedchristian

The divorce may be over, but the voices often remain.

In this episode, Dana explores one of the most overlooked realities of life after divorce: the echoes that linger long after the event itself has ended. Old accusations, painful memories, labels, rejection, shame, and fear can continue to reverberate through our minds, influencing how we see ourselves and our future.

Drawing from Psalm 23 and the ongoing Valley of the Shadow of Death of Divorce (VOSOD) series, you'll discover why echoes are so powerful, how they shape identity, and how to recognize the difference between the voices of the past and the voice of the Shepherd.

If you've ever found yourself replaying old conversations, reliving painful moments, or struggling to silence the accusations that follow relational loss, this episode is for you.

Psalm 23

The valley may contain echoes, but the Shepherd's voice is still greater.

Blessings,

Dana

BUY ME COFFEE LINK:

If this ministry has blessed you, you can buy me coffee through Ko-Fi: BUY ME COFFEE LINK: https://ko-fi.com/ribuymecoffeedonations

WEBSITE: www.redeemed-identity.com

LINK TREE: https://redeemed-identity.com/links/

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/redeemidentity/

TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@redeemedidentity

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redeemedidentityafterdivorce/#

Amazon:

Healing After Divorce Paperback:

https://a.co/d/8mjG6dp

Healing After Divorce ebook

https://a.co/d/etcpVyR

WHERE CAN YOU FIND THE SHOW:

PODCAST:

APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/redeemed-identity-after-divorce-christian-divorce-encouragement/id1752761447

YOUTUBE:

https://www.youtube.com/@RedeemedIdentityAfterDivorce