Psalm 23:4 (KJV) “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.”
Imagine the sudden, disorienting darkness as you drive through the Huguenot Tunnel in Cape Town, a complete absence of light. Or perhaps you’ve walked a desolate street, where the streetlights have failed, or ventured into a cave alone, the darkness pressing in, creating shadows that seem to conceal lurking dangers. A primal fear takes hold, the feeling that something unseen could emerge at any moment. We’ve all experienced those moments in life when an overwhelming darkness seems to surround us.
However, even in the midst of this darkness, there’s a comforting truth: you are not alone. There are times when I’ve felt utterly isolated in my own darkness, but then I remembered the One who promises otherwise. He walks with me, holding my hand. The tunnel may still be dark, but the fear that once gripped me begins to dissipate because I know I have a companion. John 8:12 reminds us, “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”
The “monsters” that lurk in the shadows of our minds during these times are not merely figments of our imagination; they represent the real spiritual forces that seek to snatch us away. Nonetheless, God is always present, holding our hands, walking beside us. When we stumble and fall, He is there to lift us up.
He is there to comfort us when we weep, and to renew our strength when we are weary. Knowing that God is by our side, we need not fear the devil’s attacks. We have no reason to fear evil when it stares us in the face, because the Light is with us, holding our hand. Evil has no hold on us, no power to harm us, because we are shielded by the wings of our Savior. He protects, comforts, saves, and heals. Therefore, walk through the darkness with the assurance that you are not alone. You have the Creator of the universe walking beside you. It’s simply a matter of accepting the Light and allowing Him to guide you.
Reflection:
Can you identify a time in your life when you felt enveloped in darkness? What were the circumstances? Do you readily turn to God as your Source of light during difficult times, or do you attempt to navigate them on your own? Reflect on moments when you felt God’s presence during times of darkness. How did this experience impact your faith?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I have learned that Your Son, Christ, is my Light in times of darkness, and I am willing to accept Him as my guide. I recognize that with my own strength, I cannot overcome the darkness, and I ask for Your help. I pray that You would help me to always turn to Christ, the light of the world. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.