Dark Valleys

Depression is a dark place. In depression there is sadness, emptiness, no interest in doing anything. With this comes feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or hopelessness. The inability to focus or make decisions is thrown in. On top of all this is thoughts of death or suicide. Depression is one of the darkest valleys we will walk through in life. There are things we can do to help relieve some of our depression. Things like during outdoor activities, focus on small manageable tasks, and talking with a trusted friend. We don’t have to journey through the dark valley of depression alone. The good news is we are never alone in our depression.

I started off talking about depression, but that’s not the only dark valley we go through. We will encounter dark valleys for various reasons in our lives so what I’m going to say is true about any dark valley we travel through. When walking through dark valleys we can find some comfort in Psalm 23. King David wrote Psalm 23 as a song of deep trust, reflection, and gratitude to express his absolute dependence on God. Drawing from his early life as a shepherd, David used the powerful metaphor of a shepherd and his sheep to mirror how God protected, provided for, and guided him through every season of life—from peaceful times to dangerous trials. In Psalm 23:4, King David wrote, “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.”

This verse provides us some hope as we travel the dark valleys of life. When we feel like we are all alone we can turn to Psalm 23 for hope. This psalm has helped me many times get through the dark valleys I’ve traveled through. There is something comforting about knowing we are never alone, even when it feels like it. No matter how dark the valley is, Jesus is there with us. Psalm 23:4, says have no fear because Jesus is on the journey with us. We have a trusted friend that is always by our side, always providing support, strength, and courage to push through our dark valley. King David calls Jesus our Good Shepherd. A good shepherd protects and cares for his flock. He will lay down his life for the flock. So, Jesus, our Good Shepherd will protect us. He will care for us. After all, He laid down His life for us. We are that important to Jesus. Important enough to lay down His life. So, Jesus, who laid down His life, will not leave us alone in our dark valleys. Take comfort in knowing that Jesus is by your side, protecting and caring for you. Don’t fear your dark valley. Instead, embrace your travelling companion.