Do you remember the first time you rode a bike without training wheels? How about the first time you swam without a flotation device? Can you remember your first roller coaster ride, or the first time you rode a horse? How about your first date, or the first time you kissed someone? Do you remember the first time you drove a car on a busy highway, or when you were married or became a parent for the first time? Each of these moments in my life were double-edged; I was both elated – and fearful! Fear led the way, and the “what ifs” were BIG; what if I had a bike wreck, what if I drowned, what if we flew off the roller coaster tracks, what if the horse ran away with me, what if the person disliked me, what if I had a wreck, what if we were miserable in our marriage, what if I was a lousy parent? Other “what ifs” have consumed my thoughts over the years. With children and grandchildren came other concerns, and the list of “what ifs” has grown. However, I thank God, because through the years, my faith has grown bigger and faster than my fears!
“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.” These words from Psalm 23:4 bring me peace. My “darkest valley” has been different things at different times; going through a divorce, the loss of a job, the death of a parent, and struggles with my children, to name a few. The glorious thing about these situations is that God was ever-present with me through them all. In fact, He seemed closer to me when I was going through them. Psalm 34:18 tells us, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Through some of the darkest valleys, as I’ve read my Bible and prayed, I’ve sensed God’s presence with me in stunning ways. There’s an old hymn we sang at church when I was a little girl; maybe you know it, maybe you don’t, but I hope you’ll soak up this deep Biblical truth:
When I travel the pathway so rugged and steep,
When I pass through the valley so dark and so deep,
And when snares for my soul by my foes have been set,
Jesus never has failed me yet.
He never has failed me yet.
He never has failed me yet.
I have proven Him true; What He says He will do.
He never has failed me yet.
He Never Has Failed Me Yet – W. J. Henry, 1937
– Susan Easttom, Director of Family Ministry
