Friday Matters

Everyday Dark Valley

I had a season of depression and anxiety that I walked in for over three months in 2009, and it was so wretched that I actually had thoughts of, “Maybe it would be better if I wasn’t around.” But God brought me through this time, and I can understand how that season helped shape my faith. It’s like the words I read by Dr. Timothy Laniak, “This journey through the shadows purges the soul of its pride and earthly attachment. Our challenge in dry and dark times is to respond in simple faith--to believe that the unseen Divine Shepherd is with us in our unlit valley. We grope in hope until rays of light begin to push the night away. Eventually, as Job confessed, 'He reveals mysteries from the darkness, and brings us into the light.’" Job 12:22

Having emerged from the dark valley I now have a more balanced response to the mountain tops. And because of those difficult valleys, I can help others through their dark valleys that seem ever so dark and lonely. Jesus understands you and He will never leave you no matter how dark it gets…everyday.