Shadows

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.

Psalm 23:4

Pause

The road to my in-laws’ home wound through the woods. Towering evergreens blocked sun by day and moon by night. My father-in-law was in his late eighties when he began having second thoughts about driving that road, especially at night. Darkness was one thing, but his dimming eyesight added to his doubts. His eyes played tricks on him, he said. He saw shapes in the shadows, and he couldn’t tell whether they were real or imaginary. The stress wasn’t worth it.

Darkness can play tricks on us, too, when crisis strikes and we don’t understand what’s happening. We see a “what-if” lurking in the shadows, and our minds tell us it’s real. That’s when stress and fear kick in. What to do?

Invite Jesus to take your hand and walk through the darkness with you. His presence will shed light on your path. His light will expose the hidden “what-ifs” and remove your fears.

Ponder

Identify the “what-ifs” lurking in the shadows of your mind.

Pray

God, shine the light of truth into my mind so darkness cannot control my imagination.