Alone in the Valley

Many times in a Christian’s life we may find ourselves in a valley of aloneness. It seems that the battles we are facing are fought in total darkness with no one to encourage or lift us up. It is in the darkest valley that our precious Savior shows His loving kindness and proves that His grace is sufficient. (2 Cor. 12:9) It is in the dark valley that you draw close into the everlasting arms of your God to find the sustaining grace to continue walking. I find myself in the deepest, darkest valley I have ever had to traverse as I watch my beloved Paul battle cancer. 

Please don’t misunderstand my thoughts here, what I am saying is, I am learning that being alone drives me straight to the Shepherd of my soul, my sustainer, my comforter, my refuge! When it seems to my human heart that no one truly understands, my God does! I find hope and peace in Him and I rest in His presence. Only He can give me the courage and strength to continue the walk of the unknown darkness ahead. Only He knows my heartbreak, sadness, and the loneliness I feel. I’m learning that I cannot depend on people, however well meaning they may be, for they cannot meet the need that only my God can meet. I am grateful for our dear family and friends who do take the time to reach out to us with love and encouragement. God knows when to send that phone call from someone far away; just to tell us that they pray for us on a daily basis, or the letter from someone who wants to remind us of their love and prayer for us, or even the friends who take the time to come over for a visit.  These all lift our spirits and give us the edification we so desperately need right now in our valley.

Over the last week or so the Lord has placed a song on my heart that Paul and I have sung in the past.  These words bring much comfort to my heart.  

I am with you, says the Father; through the floods I calm and keep, though the swelling waves surround you, I surround the waters deep.  Fear not, loved one; feel My presence, You will never be alone. Trust Me loved one; you are precious, You are Mine--my very own.

I am with you, says the Savior, even to the age's end. Never leaving, nor forsaking, I'm your ever present Friend.  Fear not, loved one; hear My comfort: none can pluck you from My hand. Trust Me, loved one; I am constant: none can change what I have planned.

I can safely rest in the promise that I am God's child and He loves me more than anyone could ever love me. While the dark valley I find myself in is hard and lonely, my God is my Friend, and He is with me. I am thankful for this truth.

The eternal God is my refuge, and I am underneath His everlasting arms. (Deut. 33:27) 


Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; He also is become my salvation. Therefore with joy shall he draw water out of the wells of salvation.  Isa. 12:2,3





Anderson/Habegger I Am with You

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