I don’t know what it feels like to brush up against death personally, but I do know what it feels like to watch those I love face it. I’ve seen loved ones spared, while others, despite all prayer and vigilance, slip away far too soon.
It’s in these moments, in these valleys of sorrow and confusion, I’ve come to experience God’s nearness most. When my mind spins with unanswered questions and my heart is filled with inexpressible grief, I feel God’s presence draw near. In the middle of the darkness, when nothing makes sense and fear surrounds me, I sense His tender touch and comfort.
Sometimes it’s maddening. Afterall, He has the power to fix it. To make everything right again. So why isn’t He? Why didn’t He?
Other times it’s comforting. He has the power to bring peace in the midst of suffering. He brings hope when all seems lost. Life is not over when we breathe our last breath on earth. So don’t fear. Life is not lost. It’s just a new beginning.
During the moments we fear most, it can be tempting to turn away from God and walk the other way. When He doesn’t make things right in the way we wished for, begged for, hoped for, we want to run away in anger. But this is when we need Him more than ever. To walk with us in the middle of our biggest fears and greatest losses. To carry us through our sadness and sorrow.
Because He will.
God is my rock. Strong enough to handle my anger. Secure enough to handle my disappointment.
God is my refuge. Patient to listen when I need to vent my frustrations. Compassionate to show His kindness to me.
Following God doesn’t mean I’m exempt from experiencing the dark valleys of life. It means He will help me through them. Remembering all the times I’ve found Him in the hard times in years past helps me trust Him in the ones I see ahead.
My questions may not be answered and my sorrow may still run deep, but I remain confident God will carry me through. And He will for you too.
If you’re experiencing a dark valley right now, run to God, not away. He will sustain you. He has the power to bring hope once again.
Psalm 62:1, “My soul quietly waits for the True God alone; my salvation comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my deliverance, my citadel high on the hill; I will not be shaken.”