Have you ever met anyone who can say that they haven’t been through an uncertain valley in their life’s walk? At some point in life everyone will go through trials that manifest themselves as dark valleys, These valleys could be one long journey or one might go through many valleys before seeing rays of light.

We may ask, “Why must we face these gloomy paths in our lives? Did we do something to cause them? Could they be a result of sin, or brought on by some unfortunate circumstance?”  Or maybe we are an uninformed traveler, crossing a dark valley, while looking back and wondering what led us to such a place. Some of these valleys may look endurable, while others can be so dark that you can’t see the light at the end of the path. You’re wishing you never stepped into it….

How do you know if you’re about to enter one of these valleys and can you avoid entering it? More importantly, how do you get through your darkest valley? Whether God places you on a particular journey, or you willfully choose the path, those dingy, gloomy, and obscure valleys in our lives are actually there to teach us how to live humbly according to God’s will and to build our character. They teach us to not rely on our strength and understanding but to rely on God. He is our guide, shelter, and our protector. Every step we take on the treacherous, unknown and unclear path of life can be a trail for his glory, if we will be “still” and “wait patiently” for Him. If we are walking with Him on a daily basis, he will take us to a better place  — a place where we will eventually appreciate the view from the mountaintop.

In Psalm 23, David cried out to God as he was going through his dark valley. He didn’t talk about God, rather he talked to God.  “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”(Psalm 23: 4). This verse points us to God’s promises.

If you find yourself journeying alone through a dark and scary valley along an unknown path, be still and seek comfort in God’s presence by whispering his name and listening in your deepest silence, knowing that you can always find peace and safety in your relationship with him. Even if the valley that you’re traveling on becomes gloomier and your sight is diminished, remember these verses below. They will give you hope that God’s love is sufficient for you. Whether you’re on the top of a hillside or down in a dingy and murky valley, He is closer than you think.

(Psalm 46:1) “God is our shelter and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.”

(2 Thessalonians 3: 3) “But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.”

(Psalm 37:5) “Commit your way to the Lord. (Romans 8:18) “The pain that you’ve been feeling, can’t compare to the joy that’s coming.”

(Deuteronomy 31: 6) “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” AMEN!