Hope During Our Time in Dark Valleys

Have you ever traveled down, down, down into any dark valleys? Can you remember a time of foreboding or panic? Of suffering and sorrow? Of terror as darkness seemed to overshadow you as you journeyed into the unknown? Do you feel as though this is one of those times?

Thank God we can praise Him for what we learn about Him during such times. On the other side of darkness, we know something of God’s promised presence—He was and is there with you. And His grace—it is always sufficient for terrifying times.

It’s true that the perilous valley is a part of life’s path, but we have hope. It’s also true that we can grasp the hand of God as we descend the frightening path into the valley of darkness. We can rest in the knowledge that He has already walked this path. And we can walk calmly with Him, remembering the words, “Yea, though I walk …”

So walk as you suffer! And keep on walking! Have hope. Don’t pause. Do not falter. Don’t ponder. Just proceed.

Walk, knowing that as the Shepherd’s dear sheep, and with the Lord beside you, you will walk through it. It comforts the soul to know that the Good Shepherd does not take His sheep into the valley of darkness to stay—but to pass through it. “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death …” (Psalm 23:4). 

PONDER

When worry strikes, if we’re not careful, we can get discouraged or even depressed. We can respond to life negatively, and take our eyes off God and His promises to take care of us. Our hope in Him is the answer to all of life’s issues.

RESPOND

Lord, it’s so easy for me to focus on the negatives. Help me redeem my worried thoughts by using them as reminders to pray, to express my trust in You, and to give thanks. Amen.

In Loving God With All Your Mind, Elizabeth helps women handle their emotions and discover inner peace that comes from focusing on what is true. She shares six powerful Bible truths that will help readers draw closer to God and know His joy and love.

REFLECT

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

Recount God’s goodness in your life and the lives of those you love by making a list of His faithfulness. 

REMEMBER

Give thanks-“In everything give thanks” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). When you thank God even for the hard things in life, you are saying, “Lord, I am confident You will use this for my good.”