Through the Dark Valley

“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.” — from Psalm 23

The next part of the journey was the scariest of all: a place called the Valley of the Shadow of Death. It was so dark that Christian often couldn’t tell where to put his feet. On one side was a deep ditch, and on the other a dangerous swamp, and frightening noises came out of the blackness.

His sword was no use against this darkness. So Christian reached for a different weapon — the very best one of all. It was called All-prayer. He simply cried out, “O Lord, I beg you, save me!”

One of the wicked creatures crept up close behind him and whispered nasty thoughts in his ear, so quietly that Christian was afraid the bad thoughts were coming from his own mind. That frightened him even more.

But then — through the dark — he heard a voice up ahead. Someone else was walking the valley too, saying out loud: “Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.” Christian’s heart lifted. He was not alone after all! And when morning came, he walked safely out the other side.

Sometimes life feels dark and scary, and we can’t see the way. That’s when the best thing to do is the simplest thing: pray. God is with you in the dark, even when you can’t see him, and morning always comes.

Dear God, when things are dark and scary, help me to pray. Thank you that you are with me and I need not be afraid. Amen.