‘Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me.’ Psalm 23:4 (NKJV)
Have you ever been out for an early morning walk in the countryside? It is wonderful to feel the dew-damp grass crunching under foot, and as you walk, the sunlight warms your face and shoulders. However, have you experienced the chill of the path taking you deep into a valley between two hills? The sun becomes obscured by the peak of the hill, until you can no longer feel the comfort of its warmth – you have walked into the valley of shadow. Life can sometimes take a similar journey; it is fine when the sun is shining, and the walk is easy and comfortable, but at some point you will find yourself entering a valley of shadow. It may be that you are walking through a valley now; the shadows of anxiety or depression, disappointment, anger, fear or loss. When you no longer feel the warmth of the sun, hope can begin to flicker, and sometimes you may be overwhelmed to the point of wondering if Yehovah has deserted you. During times in the valleys, remember the words of David’s psalm. Yehovah will never, never leave you to wander in the shadows alone! He will never allow you to enter the valley of shadow without preparing your heart for the circumstances to come – and with it, the way out. Charles Spurgeon once said, ‘As sure as Yehovah puts His children in the furnace, He will be in the furnace with them’. There is no place you can be that is too far from Him, no place where He is not, even in the valley of the shadow of death. Draw near to Him – He will bring you through.