Soul Rest for the Tired and WearySample

Walking Through Dark Valleys

Scripture: Psalm 23:4 AMP

At the onset of COVID-19 I didn’t know what to think. Should I disinfect everything I buy at the grocery store? How safe are my kids who seem to put hands on every single shelf in the store? If I pass by someone who sneezes should I hold my breath?

Suddenly, places that were once safe are now off-limits and school, which always seemed predictably safe, is online. Add this to the social unrest and all the masks at church and one can certainly begin to feel a little uneasy. A little worried. A little stressed. 

Now, home life is intermingling with work life, which is intermingling with married life that intermingles with health concerns. All this stress can wreak havoc on a soul, and that’s not even to speak of the exhaustion and burn-out that accompanies this. Yet, we carry on, hiding nervousness even though we have no idea what is going to happen.

Undoubtedly, we are walking through a dark valley of the night. And, it’s true: we don’t know what the future holds, but we do know who holds us all the way through…God. 

Psalm 23 reminds us that we walk alongside the greatest Protector the world has ever known, our Great Shepherd. He is not absent to the issues we face. He sees everything. Just like the Shepherds of ages past, His rod beats off enemies or assaulting things that might come to hurt us. Not only this, but He uses a staff as well, to safely guide us back to safe paths. 

We are not walking on a dark path, without care. We are under God Almighty’s great care. 

New friend, may I encourage you? When you wander toward worry, don’t forget: You are not alone. The loving staff is present with you, to lead you back to safe pasture. Here, you remember things like: God is with me. God defends me. And, God has enough heart to keep me on the best path for my life.

There is no virus, no scheme, nothing that can separate you from this Shepherd’s love. You are in it. And, even when you are in the complete dark and you can’t see, He is there. Beating what is harmful away and then leading you straight. 

May you rest under the cover of His care. He is there, even if you can’t see.

How have you walked through dark valleys in your life? How has God protected and led you in the past? Give thanks. Remember His faithfulness.