Daily Devotion - Tuesday, July 20

A Companion in a Dark Valley

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

Have you ever spent some time in a dark valley; some years ago I was privileged (?) to do so. The mission was in Nicaragua after Hurricane Mitch had devastated the countryside. Some years before the great hurricane hit, warring political forces had occupied the mountains surrounding the valley. 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 felt fear. As we built homes with the Nicaraguans, we could sense God’s hope pouring into that dark valley.

Sometimes we are in the dark valley but more often 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 the 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 journey beside them with gentle compassion. In the dark valleys of the personal journey, there is enough light. May your day present you with opportunities to bring light to those in darkness; and, if your valley is particularly dark know there are caring listeners for you.

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

--Ben Keckler
07.20.10