My Cup Overflows: Experiencing God's Comfort in Motherhood's Valleys Узорак

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death ...” - Psalm 23:4

When I went into labor, I didn’t question the pain. I knew contractions were just part of birthing my babies into the world. Because I expected the pain, I didn’t wonder why it was there or fight against it. This probably sounds obvious to you, but I point this experience out to contrast it with how many of us normally engage with the suffering in our lives.

Because we often expect to not suffer, we question and fight against the pain we feel in hard circumstances. But Psalm 23 reminds us that suffering is not an if but a when. In Psalm 23:3, the Psalmist David says, “He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” This is followed by Psalm 23:4, which begins, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death …”

When we put the two verses together, we see that God leads us down righteous paths, and righteous paths are often through dark valleys. In other words, times of suffering are not a detour from God’s plan for our lives. Suffering is often the “right path” God has for us. God is sovereign - he is in control - even in the valley of the shadow of death.

The pain you might be feeling right now is real, and I know it must be so hard. Maybe you’re shouldering the heavy weight of depression or anxiety. Maybe you’re grieving the distance and animosity that’s grown between you and your spouse in this season. Maybe you or your child are struggling with health complications.

Expecting and accepting suffering doesn’t make it any easier. In many ways, it actually makes us feel the pain more deeply. But expecting and accepting suffering can lead us to find peace, even in the pain. When we trust that our suffering lies within the sovereignty of God, we have hope that he will use it and see us through it.

The peace of Psalm 23 is not one of escapism or complacency. It is a peace that brings readiness to face deep darkness. Today, if you face suffering, don’t believe the lie that your circumstances are proof of God’s absence or apathy. Know that all your steps lie within the sovereignty of your Good Shepherd, and find peace in this truth.