Faith in a Time of Pandemic – The Darkest Valley

LXXVII
Walking Through the Darkest Valley
(6/12)

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil, for you are with me. (Psalm 23:4; read Psalm 23 in its entirety.)

As I child, I memorized Psalm 23, using the King James Version as my model. “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me.” Some days, I feel like I am surrounded by darkness and death. In midlife, provided I live to be 135, I am at risk in terms of the Coronavirus. Like many boomers, I not only have risks related to age but also underlying conditions – that lovely word, co-morbidities. I pay attention to how close people are to me; I wear a mask; I cross the street if people are running or walking without masks. I am not afraid but I am prudent, knowing that my mortality rate is much higher than a young person’s if I contract the Coronavirus. I have work to do and people who depend on me, and I want to be alive to fulfill my vocation.

I don’t know what bothered the Psalmist, but the Psalmist knew that life was fragile. As a warrior, the Psalmist may have had many brushes with death. He probably felt afraid at times. He felt the darkness around and within. “The valley of the shadow of death” was real for him as it is for us.

Yet, he isn’t afraid. He knows that he can’t go around, below, or above the valley. He must go through it. But, he knows that God is with him, and God will guide his steps, watch his path, and give him sure footing despite the present darkness. He is active and an agent in his destiny, but he also knows that God is holding his hand. He is safe regardless of what happens.

In our dark valley, we are not alone. God is with us. God will guide our steps. God will be with us in life and death. We are in God’s hands.
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In the darkest valley, let me know you are with me. When I am anxious, hold my hand, restore my courage, and give me power to reach out to others. Amen.
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Bruce Epperly is a Cape Cod pastor, professor, and author of over 50 books, including FAITH IN A TIME OF PANDEMIC and GOD ONLINE: A MYSTIC’S GUIDE TO THE INTERNET, and the upcoming HOPE BEYOND PANDEMIC.