Walking through darkness

Walking Through the Darkness

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” – Psalm 23:4

There are seasons in life when the weight feels unbearable. The pressures of leadership, the suffering of loved ones, the relentless march of time, and the loss of family and friends—it all compiles into a darkness that seems impossible to escape. I know this valley well. I have walked it for years now, feeling the burden of responsibility, grief, and exhaustion pressing down on my soul.

But in the midst of this darkness, I am reminded of a powerful truth: I am walking through the valley—I am not meant to stay here. The valley is not my destination. God has not abandoned me in this place of sorrow and struggle. He walks with me, even when I feel alone.

David, the shepherd-king who penned Psalm 23, knew hardship. He knew fear, betrayal, loss, and exhaustion. Yet he declared with confidence that he would fear no evil. Not because the valley wasn’t real, not because the darkness wasn’t overwhelming at times, but because he knew God was with him.

God’s rod and staff are not symbols of punishment, but of guidance and protection. The rod defends against the enemy, and the staff pulls the weary traveler back onto the right path. When I feel lost, when the burdens of life make it hard to see the way forward, I have to trust that God is still leading me, even when I can’t see the destination.

So what do I do in this valley? I lean into His presence. I speak honestly to Him, pouring out my fears, my exhaustion, and my grief. I remind myself that my strength is not enough—but His is. I rest in the truth that He has carried me this far, and He will not leave me now.

If you, too, are walking through the darkness, take heart. You are not alone. Keep walking. Keep trusting. The valley will not last forever, but God’s love and faithfulness will.

Prayer

Lord, I feel overwhelmed by the weight of everything around me. The burdens of leadership, the pain of loved ones, the losses that keep piling up—I feel like I am drowning. But I choose to trust that You are with me, even in this valley. Help me to take the next step, even when I can’t see the way forward. Strengthen my weary heart and remind me that You are my refuge and my guide. I will keep walking, knowing that You will never leave me. Amen.