The Dark Valley

God knows that sooner or later we will all encounter grief and loss that comes from losing someone we love or facing a threat to our own lives. 

As usual, God is not a last minute God but rather one who prepares in advance and lets us in on everything we need to know so when the challenging times come, we are ready to face them. 

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. Psalm 23:4

God doesn’t pretend and doesn’t expect us to paste on a happy face and pretend that life doesn’t hurt.  What God does promise us is companionship, comfort and protection.

When my father died unexpectedly a long-time family friend spent a lot of time sitting beside me in the funeral home.  She didn’t expect me to talk and didn’t push me to be or do anything.  She just stayed with me.  That experience – from 1974 – so more than 50 years ago, is still one of the most cherished memories I carry with me.  What a wonderful expression of God’s care for me she gave me at that time. 

In whatever way we need it, God will provide for us in dark times. We can’t force God to do that in a particular way but if we will be quiet and watch, God will certainly draw us close to His heart and comfort us.  I guarantee you that because death and the threat of it aren’t the only times we experience trouble and grief and sadness:

You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Psalm 23:5

Our first response to trouble of any kind is to look to God, the most kind and tender friend.  The troubles may hang around for a bit but God will provide “a feast” right in the middle of it all to the point where we will feel our lives overflowing with blessing. 

I don’t know how God does it but I just know that it’s my experience and the experience of many that this is God’s way with us.  And if you are asking, well how can I make that my experience, let me suggest a simple prayer like this:

Heavenly Father, I’m hurting and feeling vulnerable.  Please help me to be conscious of Your presence with me and love for me at this time.  Please comfort me in this hard place where I find myself.  Please flood my heart and mind with everything I need so I can live with peace and hope today.  Amen

Use your own words and cry all the tears you need to cry, pour out all the anger and frustration and hurt you need to get out.  God can handle it and is waiting to receive it.  And then receive His tender comfort and peace. 

In whatever dark valley you find yourself in today, God is close. May you experience that closeness now.