The Valley of Shadows
Volume 2, Issues 2
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil:
for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. (Psalm 23.4, King James Version)
At times, we just cannot seem to shake the darkness that nips at our heels. We dearly long for the sunshine, but we are shrouded with the grey chill of fog that suffocates. Regardless of any joy and cheer we may hear about us, it is exceedingly difficult to grasp; to lay siege upon it and enjoy the brightness and warmth it brings is fleeting. Indeed, although you may see some signs and hear the joy, the sun surely seems hidden from you…
This valley, the Valley of Shadows, is inescapable. We all must traverse through it. Some of us many times in life. Others, for incredibly extended periods of time. But, alas, it beckons us all. Due to our fallen nature and our separation from our Heavenly Father, we all must face this valley; it is laid out upon all of our journey’s!
What are we to do? How do we progress through this valley? I am reminded of the scene of the Dark Island in The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. The crew had no way of navigating and escaping this island as deep darkness enveloped the ship and they could only see a few yards ahead of them. Then the brightness of an albatross broke into the darkness and led them out of darkness's snare. Hope…hope! That is our lantern and our lighthouse. That is how we navigate through this valley of shadows to come to the bright peak awaiting us. Ultimately, it is only hope that we have in the Almighty and in His Word, that will truly, rightly, guide us along the way.
Book Bite
If you are in the midst of the throes of heavy darkness - of course first of all pray and seek help from others. If you are able to read, nothing is going to be better than the Bible, especially the Psalms and the Gospel of John. Furthermore, if you are walking through the loss of a loved one, I would recommend A Grief Observed by C.S. Lewis. However, for the normal passages through the greyness and blackness, I would like us to look at another book.
I would submit for your recommendation Black Paper: Writing in a Dark Time by Teju Cole. This book is not written from a Christian perspective, but what I enjoy about this book is Cole does a phenomenal job of wrestling with the Valley of Shadows head on in an artistic and vulnerable way that helps you think outside of the box and ask new questions. Cole is engaging, poignant, and a fantastic writer. Some of the stories shared in this work take you on amazing journeys as you think through life from an artistic point of view while wrestling with dark topics.
Although I have not quite finished the book myself, the bulk of it I have read I highly recommend. It is so important and valuable for us to find the beauty in the broken. Even when the valley is full of fog, if we look carefully about us as we progress, we can surely see the lilies flourishing with life. Although not written from a Christian perspective, seeing the beauty about us is a lesson we have certainly learned profoundly from the example of Jesus and something at which Mr. Cole does a great job reflecting his Creator.
Video Vittle
This video will provide the opportunity to give you some wonderful Biblical insights and teaching along with providing you some comfort as you traverse through the Valley of Shadows. Please, enjoy!
Scripture Snack
Psalm 119.105 – Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
John 14.6-7 – 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.” (ESV)
John 16.33 – I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (ESV)
Revelation 14.12 – Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus. (ESV)
Psalm 23 – The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. (KJV)
Blessings to you on your journey,
~ Joshua
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