Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil,
    for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4

Note – if you are distressed by talk of losing someone very close, this may be upsetting (I hope not).

Last week, my mum died. She was 93 and remarkable. Lived independently until four months before her passing, when vascular dementia swept in rapidly. She loved the Lord and the 23^rd Psalm was a favorite. Given that Lori discussed mountains last week, the valley seemed a good place to follow up. 

First of all, not all valleys are bad. My fighter pilot husband used to train at low level sweeping through valleys and gets just a little bit misty eyed when remembering those days fondly. And valleys are beautiful to look at from the top of any summit. Some of our fondest memories of road trips involve looking down the valleys of places like the Rocky Mountains, Yosemite National Park, and more recently, on Loch Lomond in Scotland. 

The darkest valley

But the darkest valley, or the valley of the shadow of death is another matter. I can honestly say that I learned more about what being a mom means in the first 24 hours after losing mine on June 26. My mother loved anyone within her reach unconditionally and with everything she had. Being her child, this meant an incredible safety net and I’m not quite sure how I function going forward. And yes, I am a woman with a rock-solid faith, who is praying her way through the pain of this loss. 

What I do know is that the Lord has a promise for anyone in the valley. He says it many times in different contexts throughout scripture. In Deuteronomy 31:6, Moses has a parting encouragement before the Israelites move into the Promised Land. He tells them to be strong and courageous because the Lord will be with them. That he will NEVER leave or forsake them. Then in Isaiah 41:10 the Lord tells Jacob not to fear or be dismayed because the Lord will be with him, strengthen and uphold him. 

Jesus loved us enough to die for us and at the end of Matthew 28, the resurrected Christ tells his disciples he will be with them even unto the end of the age. 

The gift of presence

When we’re going through a valley, regardless of how quickly or slowly that journey, Jesus is beside us. Some will feel a tangible presence, others might hear whispers of love and others still may see evidence of God at work through people around them. 

For instance, since my mum passed, we have been inundated with prayers, sent gift cards for delivery meals, my house looks a little like a florist, and most special, I have been flanked by a pastor and a vicar. Both very close friends. Neither I’m able to see very often, but this week, the vicar is getting ordained, so the pastor flew in for the ceremony. She’d always planned to stay with me. Her presence and reassurance are a sweet and weighty gift of the truest comfort. 

Because even in the valley, we are never alone. If you’re in a valley and need some prayer, please comment. We don’t need details (although you’re welcome to share), just say “yes please.” And I will be praying. If you haven’t asked Jesus into your life but are in a valley and desperately need a traveling companion, message me via the website contact page and I will joyously get you introduced!