Even Though I Walk Through the Valley...
"Even 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)
Today, I continued my trek around Falls Lake on the Mountains to Sea Trail (MST). This trail follows along the Southern shore of the lake and goes through many different NC Wildlife Gameland Areas. As you see the warning signs, and hear the gunshots, it really brings to mind the text, "In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;" (Eph. 6:16) I could not help, but think about this text and then think about Psalm 23, "...though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil,..." It is funny sometimes what runs through your head when you are alone.
When we think of a valley, it is lowly, and often there are shadows and darkness. The symbolism of ‘the shadow of death’ is a constant reminder of sin and death in this world, The various trials and tribulations we may face. How can we find peace through life’s shadows? As a believer, though we may be walking in the midst of the shadow, we know that there is a light source for that shadow. We know that the darkness will not last forever, on the other side of the valley, we will walk out of the darkness, and into the light. We do not know what the future holds. What tomorrow holds. We do not how many more days we will have on this earth, and we are not promised tomorrow. We are not promised another hour, minute, or breath. Life is precious, and short when compared to eternity.
Believers are called to walk through this world, under submission to Christ, in faith, trusting that He who has called us, will sustain us. We are walking through the valley of the shadow of death, not the valley of death.
However, what about the unbeliever? How will they face the trials that they are going through? Who will tell women in crisis, those who are going through a dark valley in their life, that there is Hope? That they were created special and with purpose, by the One who is the Creator of all things. That is why the Emmanuel Home is so needed. The Emmanuel Home's purpose is more than helping to physically heal women. It will ultimately be a place that seeks to heal them spiritually. A safe place that puts Christ central in all things. If you have not been able to give towards this great ministry outreach, would you please prayerfully consider giving.
Today, I was blessed to complete around 26 more miles. Lord willing, tomorrow I will complete Section 10 of the MST, and come closer to reaching the 400 mile mark. Thank you all for your continued prayers.
