Daily Devotion - Wednesday, July 22

Dark Valleys and Light

“Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
I fear no evil…”
--An ancient song
Psalm 23: 4

Several years ago I spent some time in a dark valley. The mission was in Nicaragua after Hurricane Mitch had devastated the countryside. The mountains surrounding the valley had been occupied by warring political forces some years before the great hurricane hit. It was a dark valley. The nearest dusk to dawn light was 15 miles away. The town that became our home only had 4 houses with electricity and each of those houses had one 60-watt bulb. Believe me, it was a dark, dark valley. Yet, none of the mission team ever felt fear. As we built homes with the Nicaraguans we could feel God’s hope pouring into that dark valley.

Last year at this time I was preparing for a trip to genocide riddled Rwanda. The trip was a time for our delegation to understand how the people were working through their genocidal dark valley. It was a difficult trip. I sensed some fear, but the feelings of hopefulness overshadowed the fears! I am still amazed.

Here at the hospital we encounter folks in their own form of a dark valley. For the sick, we bring God’s rays of healing. For the grieving, we point them toward glimmering stars of reunion. For the dying, we spend time encouraging them to feel the flame of the eternal within. For those who are confused, we use the light of Sacred Writings. In the dark valleys of the personal journey, there is enough light. May your day bring light to those in darkness and may your dark valleys have light.

Prayer: God of mountain and God of valley, be with me today. Amen.

--Ben Keckler
07.22.09