Valley and Darkness
This is an audio recording of Valley and Darkness the Day 25 entry in Today: Devotions for Seafarers (Vol. 2) by Jason Zuidema.
Listen to the audio by Donielle Hart Goad or read the text below:
“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.”
I am deeply troubled by people who say you can have health and wealth if only you have more faith and hope—as if seafarers could just pray a bit more and instantly have a good job at home. The message sounds so enticing: who would not want to be free from sickness and have more money in their pocket?
It's true that there are benefits in living the Christian life. Scientific studies have shown that people who are faithful at church and regular in prayer generally find more balance and meaning than do others in our fast-paced world.
But in my experience, some of the most faithful and deeply hopeful people I know have been those with chronic illness and limited amounts of money. And the Bible shows that while some faithful believers were wealthy, there were many more who remained faithful without growing rich or receiving great honors. "Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance of what we do not see" (Hebrews 11:1). Many faithful people do not see health and wealth in this life!
We need to keep the whole message of Scripture in view. Psalm 23 does not promise that we will not be in dark valleys, but, rather, that when we are in dark valleys, we need not fear evil, for God is with us. In this way God gives us real comfort to face the challenges of life.
For Further Thought
Think of some people you know whose faith is effective and inspiring even though (or even because) they struggle with illness. Give thanks for them today!
Why is it important that God is with us when we are in trouble?
Why is it important to pray to God for faithfulness rather than money or power?
Prayer
Dear God, I have known dark valleys in my life. Thank you for being present with me in joy and pain. Please continue to show me your presence as I travel onward. Amen.
