He Leads Us, Even Through the Darkness

By Kiernan Antares

Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil, for you are with me – Psalm 23:4a

Seven months after my father passed away, I had an awful fight with my mother. We had never spoken so bitterly. We were both angry. She was angry for having received a diagnosis of a few months left to live. I was angry for not having enough time to grieve my father’s loss, never mind processing hers. I have walked through many dark valleys. Yet none can compare to losing both parents within a year of each other. The experiences could not have been more different. One was healing, loving and transformative. The other was not.

I didn’t understand what God was doing. I had felt God’s presence so intimately in my father’s dying months – guiding, protecting and blessing me and my family every step of the way. However, uncertainty, worry and fear filled my mother’s last months. I didn’t feel capable of getting through the days ahead and doing what needed to be done. The difference between the two situations was notable. In one, I memorized scriptures and prayed often. Whereas, during the other, I neglected my quiet mornings with God, and I often forgot to pray.

I’m the type of person who likes to plan and prepare, relying too much on my strength and power. I was wearing myself out. During this season, God was trying to teach me to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17).  Because I was not praying, I lacked the power to walk courageously through valleys or feel His loving arms protecting me. I see now where my faith was strong and where it wasn’t. I see how God has answered so many prayers.

I prayed for continued healing of my soul in 2023. I wanted a breakthrough – to live in full confidence, courage and boldness in the Lord. That essence has defined this year. A few months ago, I felt a fear about current world events rising, and so I meditated on Psalm 23:4a, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me” and I experienced an epiphany deep in my being. God is with me and for me. Now, when faced with difficulties, I think of this verse and my fear dissolves. I am reminded the presence of the Lord gives us strength and power, regardless of life’s circumstances.

Contemplate the struggles you’ve faced. How did they affect your life? God wants us to fix our eyes on him during hard times and rest, knowing that He will guide us all our days and lead us into His kingdom to live with Him forever.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for being my good shepherd, faithfully leading me. I don’t know what lies ahead, but you do. Because you love me and care for me, I don’t have to worry, even in the darkest valley. Amen.

Reflection Questions

Sometimes when we experience fear in our darkest valleys, we freeze. That is, we stop praying, we read the Word less or cease being open with our lives. What good, spiritual habits or disciplines do you let go of during the difficult moments of life?

What is the value of holding to those disciplines for you, and how can you plan to “walk through” the valley with God and not “freeze”?

Kiernan Antares is a writer. She has authored the poetry book Borne to Unfurl, the art book Where Polar Bears Reign and the novel Phoenix Star - An Adventure of the Spirit. Kiernan is the founder of the Inspired Writers Group, where she provides support and guidance for other writers. She has also served as Editor for Illuminate Journal, Uncapped Publishing, Associate Editor of the Raconteur Literary Magazine, and Freelance Editor for IP Publishing. Kiernan is currently writing a historical fiction novel.