Walking Through the Valley
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 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. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Psalm 23 ESV
It is well known that storms will come into our lives. This past month has been a roller coaster of a storm.
On August 30th, my father in law was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumor. The tumor was too big, aggressive and too far along to do any sort of medical treatment. Today, September 30th, my family and I are in Georgia to attend his viewing, followed by funeral services tomorrow. The really crazy thing was our family was just here July 30-31 to celebrate his 80th birthday. I would’ve never imagined a month later he would get devastating health news and two months later he would be gone.
As I watched from afar his health declining, I knew that the inventible was coming. Unless the Lord chose to miraculously heal him, death was imminent. It came much faster and swifter than the doctor’s 3-6 month timeframe.
Yet, as I look back now over this past crazy month, I can see God’s comfort in some pretty amazing ways. I can recognize things He did that was comforting to me on my level. Sometimes they were little things and other times they were big. Yet I know the Lord had his hand on me, being my source of comfort during this time. As I reflected over this month and pondered those things, it brought me great joy that even during a most difficult trial of watching a parent quickly fade away, God was right there with me.
While today will be tough as we begin the processing of saying goodbye, mourning our less, and beginning to heal; we also can celebrate the life of my father in law and the influence he had on so many. We can rejoice without doubt that now he is in eternal home, safe in the arms of our loving savior. He is healed and freed of pain.
The Bible says in Philippians 4:7
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
This verse always comes to mind in a time of sorrow, mourning or trial. I do have peace. The Lord has comforted me. The world may not understand but I know the truth. The savior loves me in this time of sorrow and pain. He is my peace, comfort, shield, healer, redeemer, deliverer and fortress.
Oh, Dana! I’m so terribly sorry to hear this news . . . sorry for you and your family, but rejoicing for your Father-in-law. Thank you for sharing God’s words of encouragement. May all who read your post find solace. You are loved, dear sister. Praying for you.
I can relate with what you shared Dana. I am only sorry you and your family had to experience as well. Psalm 23 has been my go-to psalm for many different stories in my life. When I first read it to help me through a hard time, I literally took a lounge chair to Phillippe Park, in Safety Harbor, FL, to sit by the calm waters at the very point Tampa Bay. I felt the calming of the restful waters the psalmist was referring to. God bless you. And thank you for your piece.
I am so, so sorry for your loss. May His peace comfort you in the time of sorrow.