‘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. ‘ Psalms 23:4 NLT

Death comes in many forms. Physical death may come to your mind first as you read this verse, but I can think of other ways we experience death and loss in our lives. I did some reading on the top stressors in people’s lives, situations where trauma is experienced, and where life can feel the darkest.

Not surprisingly, the death of a loved one was listed first in all the sources I read. Then, divorce, the loss of a marriage, dreams, hopes, and possibly relationships with children and extended family. Illness or injury, job loss, retirement, and moving can all bring fear of the future, financial strain, relationship strain, and loss of identity and purpose.

In my own life, caregiving for parents and relatives, tending to my hubby after a motorcycle accident, career changes, aging, church politics, and removing ourselves from toxic family relationships all brought physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual exhaustion. I know that sunless valley.

A few paragraphs into writing this post a little over a week ago, we received a call from the assisted living home where my 92-year-old dad-in-law lives. His complaint of stomach pain led to an ER visit, hospital admission, and discharge three days later, another ER visit, admission, and discharge, and the decision to bring hospice into the loop for his ongoing care in his family-style assisted living home. We were catapulted into a shadowed valley in the blink of an eye. I started texting family to pray as the ER medical staff ran tests and ensured he was comfortable. Like David, the shepherd king in Psalm 23:4, who declares with assurance that he will not fear or dread evil in the dark shadowed valley, we also know our comfort comes from El Roi, the God who sees us. He knew exactly where we were, Bruce, Gary, and I, and He ministered to our hearts and the hearts of those who loved us and were praying for us.

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2nd Timothy 3:16 tells us that the Scriptures are God-breathed, so the Psalms, with all the swings of emotions and thoughts, draw us to a loving Father who sees our heartaches and trials. God is not offended or displeased at our emotions; He does not turn away from our rawness, woundedness, or anger, even when we are angry with Him. He wants us to cry out to Him, to run to Him. He created us with emotions because He has emotions. We are made in His image—Imago Dei—the image of God.

Friend, are you traveling in a dark, sunless valley today? Are you immobilized with grief? Do you feel abandoned and alone? Are you wondering if you are strong enough to go through the valley? Here’s my hand; I’ll walk with you. You don’t have to pretend you are happy or have everything together. You don’t have to make small talk; our Shepherd walks with us, leading us to rest in green meadows beside peaceful streams.

Jesus, our gentle Shepherd, you have led us to rest in Your perfect love. As we hand our heavy burdens to You, You whisper peace, Shalom, to our anxious hearts and minds. Holy Spirit, you wash over us with holy joy, refreshing our weary souls. Abba, Father, you have adopted us as your own; you protect and guide us, never letting us out of your sight. We lift our hands in gratitude and humble worship, receiving your grace and comfort in this moment. Amen and Amen.