Through the Valley

We’re all familiar with the 23rd Psalm. A few years back, when going through some growing pains, my son’s favorite verse was 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.

I’m maybe in my own valley, desperately seeking a way out. So, I began quoting the familiar: Yea, though I walk through the valley – but wait! No, I’m not walking. I’m stuck. I’m drowning. I’m sinking. It feels like I’m in quicksand. Perhaps this is that miry clay David spoke of in Psalm 40:2?

But, when did I stop walking? When did I stop walking through the valley? When did stop walking through the shadow? When did I stop walking through the darkness? When did I stop?

We’re going to go through valleys in our lives. We’re going to experience darkness in our lives. The shadow of death will even touch our lives in one way or another. But, we’re not supposed to stay there.

We’re supposed to keep walking…

I’m reminded of 1 Samuel 16:1… God asked Samuel how long would he mourn Saul after God had rejected Saul from being king for his own disobedience to God.

I hear the same question echoing in my ear: how long will I mourn (insert person, place, thing, job, you name it) which was not in God’s plan for my life? That person, place, or thing that threatened to draw me away from God, rather than draw me closer to Him.

No more.

As I walk through this valley, this darkness, this pain… I will fear no evil, because Jesus is with me. His Spirit is comfort to my soul.

*Original Image by Yours Truly ☀️🌸