My life is filled with more than a little uncertainty lately. None of us can say with complete certainty what will happen tomorrow – or even in 5 minutes – but we often have at least some idea…

As I spent time with God on Sunday asking about His purposes for this unexpected journey and what my response should be, I felt like He said it was time to rest. I have joked about this being a holiday, but it seems that is at least part of God’s plan for this time away from my normal life and activities. I was unaware of how much stress I’ve been carrying the past couple of months, and now as I begin to relax, I realize this is a much needed time of rest.

I began to think of God as my Shepherd leading me by still waters and restoring me as I rest. As I thought about Psalm 23, the verse about walking through the valley of the shadow of death came to mind. It occurred to me the idea of death is rarely what brings fear to my heart. David certainly lived some of his life in that particular valley, but for me, that isn’t a valley I’m faced with often. As a believer in Jesus and the events we are celebrating during this week leading up to Easter, death doesn’t hold a lot of fear for me. When I leave my life here, I will have a far better one in the presence of my Lord.

Sunday night, as I looked at the uncertainties in my future – whether I will be allowed to return home to my life as I have known it, how God will fulfill promises He has spoken to me, what the next chapter of life might hold – I realized it is much more the shadows of life that strike fear into my heart as I walk through this valley.

Are you walking through a valley today? A valley filled with shadows and dark shapes that tempt your heart to shrink back in fear? Perhaps the shadows threaten a broken heart, illness, loss, major life changes, uncertainty, being alone or any number of other things we are prone to fear.

Whatever the shadows in your valley, God’s right there with you and will bring comfort if you let Him.

Without knowing the topic of this blog post, a friend sent me Psalm 23:1-3 from the Message on Sunday night. I will leave you with the whole chapter. May you find rest and comfort no matter what shadows you encounter in your valley today.

God, my shepherd! I don’t need a thing. You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from. True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction.  Even when the way goes through Death Valley, I’m not afraid when you walk at my side. Your trusty shepherd’s crook makes me feel secure. You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies.
You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing. Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life. I’m back home in the house of God for the rest of my life.