I look into the valley I must cross,
The valley of despair and loss.

Traveling into depths of a valley or canyon can be dangerous, and the journey may be as frightening as it is confusing. Am I going in the right direction? How do I get to my destination on the other side? Are dangerous animals pursuing me? Psalm 23:4 defines the valleys of our lives.  “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, . . . ” 

When we travel through the frightening depths, we must decide who we depend on to guide and keep us safe as we face many frightening and dangerous challenges. Friends become sick. Relatives pass away. We must overcome addictions. We confront discouragement. Wars, hunger, poverty, and death fill the valley. And in the end, we all face our own death. The trials and dangers we must avoid to reach the end of the valley are constantly hindering our progress. 

As we encounter the challenges of the valley, we must never forget the last part of Psalm 23:4. “I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and staff they comfort me.” I write to encourage everyone to follow the Lord’s guidance as we travel through that dangerous and discouraging valley.