Shadow and God’s Light – Our Daily Bread ODB Devotional, 4th December 2023

Psalm 23

Upon receiving the devastating news of Elaine’s advanced cancer, both Elaine and her husband, Chuck, were aware that her time on earth was limited and that she would soon be reunited with Jesus. Throughout their fifty-four years together, they held onto the comforting assurance found in Psalm 23, that God would accompany them as they navigated through the deepest and most challenging valley of their lives. They found solace in the knowledge that Elaine had already prepared herself to meet Jesus, having placed her unwavering faith in Him many years ago.

During the memorial service held in honor of his beloved wife, Chuck expressed that he was still journeying “through the valley of the shadow of death” (Psalm 23:4 nkjv). While Elaine had already embarked on her heavenly existence, the lingering presence of grief and loss, symbolized by the “shadow of death,” remained with Chuck and all those who deeply cherished Elaine.

In the midst of traversing the valley of shadows, where can we discover the illumination we desperately need? The apostle John proclaims that “God is light; in him there is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5). Furthermore, Jesus declares in John 8:12, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

As followers of Jesus, we confidently walk in the radiance of His presence (Psalm 89:15). Our faithful God has pledged to accompany us and be our unwavering source of light, even when we find ourselves journeying through the darkest of shadows.