When Life Darkens

A life crisis.

Over eight years ago, l lost my wife of fifty years to pancreatic cancer. She was 70 years old, young by today's standards. When I commented it was not fair, she responded I will never forget: "Not fair? What's far? Did you see the young people in the infusion center receiving their chemo therapy. They are wasting away before they've lived. That's not fair." I was both humbled by what she said and proud of her courage. 

While I always think of her, it is tough during the New Year. By the New Year, I am referring to Rosh Hashanah and the calendar of the New Year that everyone celebrates. She enjoyed inviting friends and family to prepare and present. These are fond memories that also arouse a lot of sadness.

She and I were both walking through the shadow of death.

The valley of the shadow of death

That comes from biblical Psalm 23:

Here is the entire psalm:

The Lord is my shepherd;

I shall not want.

He makes me to lie down

 in green pastures;

He leads me beside the

 still waters.

He restores my soul;

He leads me in the paths

 of righteousness

For His name's sake.

Yea, 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.

You prepare a table before

 me in the presence of my

 enemies;

You anoint my head with

 oil;

My cup runs over. 

Surely goodness and

 mercy shall follow me

All the days of my life;

And I will dwell in the

 house of the Lord

Forever.

Imagine entering a deep, desolate valley shrouded in gloom. Shadows dance, fear whispers, and danger lurks unseen. Yet, amidst this darkness, the speaker declares, "I will fear no evil." This defiance comes not from personal strength but from the presence of a guiding force, "for you are with me."

Think of a shepherd's staff and rod, tools for protection and direction. They symbolize God's comforting presence, reassuring the traveler in the shadows. Even in the valley's depths, hope shines through with the promise of God's presence and guidance.

This verse offers solace in times of misfortune, reminding us that we are not alone, even in darkness. We can walk through any valley with faith and trust, knowing that God's strength sustains us and hope awaits on the other side.

The great Rabbi Jonathan Saks said of Psalm 23 The gift of saying 'Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for you are with me' (Psalms 23:4). Rabbi Sacks ended his thought with the following words, “Faith is not certainty, faith is the courage to live with uncertainty."

When darkness descends, and personal challenges shroud our lives, Psalm 23, with its iconic verse "Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death," offers solace and a practical guide for navigating the shadows. Its wisdom transcends religious bounds, speaking to the universal human capacity for resilience and hope. Here are some ways we can weave its messages into the fabric of our daily lives:

Embrace Vulnerability: The psalm doesn't shy away from the reality of darkness. It acknowledges the "valley," the "shadow of death," the genuine fear that grips us in difficult times. By accepting our vulnerabilities, we break free from the pretense of strength and open ourselves to the trustworthy source of strength: trust in a force beyond ourselves, God.

Cultivate Faith: The speaker's defiance, "I will fear no evil," arises not from personal might but faith in the divine presence, the "you" walking beside them. This faith isn't unquestioning optimism; it's a conscious decision to trust in something larger than ourselves, a source of strength and guidance amid uncertainty. In our own lives, this translates to nurturing our faith, whatever form it takes, whether through prayer, meditation or simply holding onto the belief that goodness prevails.

Seek Comfort in Symbols: The psalm uses powerful imagery – the shepherd's staff, the rod, the anointing oil, the overflowing cup – to symbolize God's care and protection. In our lives, we can find comfort in personal symbols that remind us of strength and hope. It could be a cherished object, a nature scene, a piece of music – anything that evokes a sense of peace and resilience in challenging times.

Focus on Gratitude: The speaker finds reasons for gratitude even in the valley. The "green pastures" and "still waters" serve as reminders that beauty and peace still exist. By practicing gratitude, even for the small blessings in our darkest moments, we shift our focus from despair to hope, opening ourselves to new possibilities.

Remember, We Are Not Alone: "You" walking beside the speaker reminds us we are not alone in our struggles. We can find solace in connecting with loved ones, communities of faith, or even strangers who have walked similar paths. Sharing our burdens and vulnerabilities can lighten the load and remind us of the power of human connection. 

We are not alone also refers to God being with us; that thought and belief offer comfort. Going to Church, synagogues, or places of worship is part of that comfort.

By incorporating these lessons into our daily lives, we can transform Psalm 23 from a comforting verse into a practical roadmap for navigating personal challenges. It reminds us that even in the deepest valleys, faith, hope, and connection can light the way, leading us through the shadows and toward the green pastures that lie beyond.

dransphd@aol.com