Celebrate Hope: Looking Back Stepping UpMfano

A Light in Darkness

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil. - Psalm 23:4

I’ve had numerous questions for God recently. I’ve never witnessed an event like the COVID-19 outbreak bringing death and illness to thousands and testing the limits of the one thing that can conquer death—our spirit. My quarantine experience took a turn for the worse when the virus’s ugly hand came knocking, taking the life of one of my closest childhood friends. My friend was 21 years old. Hearing the news of his passing, I felt countless unexplainable emotions. Anger. Sadness. Abandonment. 

In the psalms David recorded, he shared countless emotions, expressing to God not only anger and anguish but also confidence and praise. David repeatedly declared confidence in God, even when he could not comprehend life’s difficulty and pain. In Psalm 23, while wandering from place to place, living with strangers and among enemies, David found rest—in God. The same God who had been with him and faithful to him since childhood.

In time, I was comforted by God’s graceful hand. I received a dreamlike visit from my childhood friend one night as I rested. His image and his smile were as bright as the moon. He let me know he loved me. And I felt incomparable joy at his permanent heavenly contentment. Our reunion reminded me of God’s unfailing love. He is forever. This virus is not. We can be confident even as we stare death in its face because God is with us. —Justin Morris

What are some things we can do to remind ourselves of God’s promises for us?

God, You care for us more than anything You’ve created: the birds, plants, creatures. You draw near to those who are in pain. Thank You, God, for Your infinite love for us.