Click for audio: Finding Peace in the Valley

Part 4 of 6

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.

I once read that the valley of the shadow of death was a reference to when a shepherd would bring his flock through a narrow valley. There, predators would hide in the shadows of rocks and trees, using the narrow terrain to their advantage when they launched an attack on the flock.

Whether or not this is true, the valley here represents danger. Metaphysically, valleys represent low moments in consciousness, just like mountains represent high moments of enlightenment. We all have these low moments, and while they are going on, we feel quite vulnerable to forces real and imagined that threaten to harm us or rob us of something important.

At such times, we would do well to affirm with the Psalmist, I do not fear this negative appearance. God is my protector, my refuge, my guide.  Then, we stand firm knowing the divine outworking of visible good is imminent, and we stand in this knowledge even when we see movement in the shadows. We affirm strength, steadfastness, and courage to keep moving forward.

Shadows do strange things. The gentlest person can put a flashlight to their chin, causing shadows that make them look sinister. Move the flashlight ever so slightly and the shadows, along with their negative effect, disappear.

There will be valleys, and there will be mountaintop experiences. It’s important for us to remind ourselves that God is present in them all. The 23^rd Psalm is an excellent reminder of this truth. The slightest movement of our thought toward God refreshes our faith, reassures us that life is good, and that the thing you fear today is on its way out. There is peace, even in your valley of the shadow of death, and it is waiting for you now.