I have walked through the valley of the shadow of death. I was sucked into it. It was the most darkest place I’ve ever walked.

Had I not walked through, I would not have known God was with me. I would not have known the comfort of his rod and staff. I would not have known he leads me besides still waters. I would not have known there is no evil to fear.

I would not have really known what God is like at all.

We don’t like pain. We avoid it at all costs – denial, anger, bitterness, self-pity ….

You cannot prevent your birth and you cannot prevent your death. You cannot prevent facing the valley of the shadow of death. You will stand at its entrance.

Walk through it. You may be surprised what you find there.

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