A Walk in the Dark

 

Even when I walk in a dark valley, I fear no evil because you are with me. — Psalm 23:4

Winter 2008

I decided to go for a walk one cold and anxious morning at 5:00 a.m. It was so dark that I couldn't see my feet or the road I was walking on. I couldn't even see the dogs I brought for comfort. I could only hear their collars clinking. I hoped they were relying on other instincts besides sight so we wouldn't head off into the ditch. It genuinely reflected how life has been feeling lately—darkness, random fear, and loneliness. Yet hopeful of moving forward. 

Don't ask me why I was doing this. I'm still not quite sure myself. I'm sure my dogs were wondering the same thing. I was about to turn back because I was frightened. I'm unsure what I was scared of- maybe just the dark itself- but I decided to push through it and continue my journey. I read this quote in an email when I got home.

"Faith, walking in the dark with God, only prays Him to clasp its hand more closely."

— Phillips Brooks

I felt it reflects how, at times in our lives, there are seasons of darkness when things appear hopeless and downright frightening. Sometimes, it is so dark we can't see the path set before us, and we don't know what to do. Nothing seems very clear, and all we want to do is go back. But we must keep moving forward, push through, and know He loves us, cares, and is with us, maybe even holding our hand.

Nevertheless, I am continually with You;
You hold me by my right hand.
You will guide me with Your counsel,
And afterward receive me to glory.

— Psalm 73:23-24 

 

“When it rains, look for rainbows. When it’s dark, look for stars.” — unknown

Heads Up

Another thing I noticed on my walk was that I spent most of my time looking up at the stars because, at this time of day, they're the only light around. This is also true as we travel through dark places in life—when it looks as if things are dying, maybe hopes, maybe dreams, or people we love—when the darkness is so thick and impenetrable, there is only one place to look. That one place is up to the one who created the stars, to the one and only "light of the World."

... look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.

 — Luke 21:28

I also noticed the Bright and Morning Star on my early morning journey. When I returned, I happened to hear a sermon about it. It was discussed that the star known as the Bright and Morning Star (Venus) is the last star we see in the sky before the sun rises. It signals the dawning of a new day. 

And so, as I walk through the dark, I remind myself that He is holding my hand as I anxiously anticipate the dawn of a new day!

The people who walked in darkness
Have seen a great light;
Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death
Upon them a light has shone.

— Isaiah 9:2