Devotionals

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Just Passing Through
By: Mary Elder-Criss

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4

We were lost in the wrong side of town, and I was frightened. Everywhere we looked gang members were congregated on parking lots, sidewalks, and alleyways. I was eight months pregnant and desperately needed to use a restroom, but we didn’t want to leave the relative safety of our vehicle. All we wanted to do was to find the correct exit and head for home. This wasn’t our destination, we were just passing through.

The valley mentioned in the above psalm wasn’t David’s destination either. He was walking through. He had no plans to pitch a tent and build a campsite and stay there for a while. Many times in our Christian walks we will go through the valleys, periods in which we experience extreme trials and tribulations. The path narrows. Everything appears dark and foreboding and we experience feelings of fearfulness and abandonment. Yet it is in the valleys that we grow. We become closer to God, we rely more on His strength, and we mature in our faith.

David was confident that God was not making this valley his final destination. He had absolute trust in the fact that God was with him, even in the most frightening of places, and that God would lead him out. We can have the same assurance. No matter how dark and foreboding the valley may appear, take heart. Goodness and mercy is following you. The Comforter is with you. Have faith that He will lead you out as well. Know that you also are just walking through.

You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy: At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11

Copyright 2004

Writing Challenge Entry for the subject "Paths"

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