HOPE IN THE VALLEY

Times of pain and illness show us how vulnerable we are. Our struggles intensify. Strength is lost. Even the most caring friends or loved ones can’t help. Our dependency is bigger than us—but not bigger than God.

Our trouble reveals that He is the very present help we desperately need. He is with you; you are never alone. He walks every path of pain. Our prayer is that these readings and reflections will help you cry out to Your Father and cling to Him in real, daily hope.

Today's Key Verse: Psalm 23:4: “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."

William Carey is known as the “father of modern missions.” But when he first arrived in India in 1792, he was quickly besieged by illness, loneliness and poverty. Then he was deserted by his missionary partner, one of his sons died of dysentery, and his wife’s mental health deteriorated so severely that she threatened him with a knife.

"I am in a strange land with no Christian friend, a large family and nothing to supply their wants," Carey wrote. "This is indeed the valley of the shadow of death to me."

Carey’s dark valley was impossible to navigate, humanly speaking. Yet he could write, "But I rejoice that I am here notwithstanding; and God is here." Carey’s hope echoed David’s when he composed Psalm 23: “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.”

Hope in life’s valley is found in the Shepherd who walks through them with us. He promises that whatever valley we’re facing, it will come to an end; one day we will finally sit at the table He has prepared for us in his home.

If you’re walking through a valley today, you can get a sense of that glorious future as you draw close to your Shepherd, the source of all reassurance. Seasons of darkness can become seasons of hope when we affirm, “You are with me.”

— Chris Wale

Prayer:

Good Shepherd, I thank You that You are with me. No matter what I face or go through, You will walk each step and each moment with me. Amen