After I came home from the hospital in 2019, I learned that one of the not-so-fun gifts my brain injury, anxiety, and PTSD had given me was a fear of darkness.

Before my mini stroke and seizures, I loved sleeping in the dark. Loved it! But, after returning home from the hospital, I was stunned to discover that being in a pitch-black room felt ominous. I was afraid to be alone. It sent me into a panic.

My heart would start racing. I would tremble as if I were in imminent danger and some terrifying, homicidal predator was out to get me. It was like being trapped in a horror movie. So scary!

Though my mind was just playing tricks on me, the terror was real. Boy, that wasn’t any fun.

Well, that memory was sparked during my devotion time today as I read Psalm 23—a beautiful reminder of our Savior’s sufficiency—and zoned in on verse 4. It says, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me” (ESV).

In this passage, the writer, David, creates mental imagery of timid sheep walking through a dark forest with wild beasts and threats lurking everywhere. But the comforting part is knowing that the sheep have no need to be intimidated because their shepherd is a powerful protector and provider who fends off every prowling predator.

David was writing from experience. According to 1 Samuel 17:34-36, while tending his father’s sheep, David killed both a lion and a bear that attacked the flock. So then, if a human shepherd cares that much for his sheep, how much more does Christ, our shepherd, care for us?

Jesus says, “I am the good shepherd” (John 10:11) who lays my life down for the sheep.

Friend, as Christ’s sheep, we need not fear the darkness of life, because He fights for us. He favors us. He provides for us. He cares for us like no other. He will snatch us out of the grips of our enemies and rescue us, because He loves us. We will never know any greater love than His!

What an incredibly comforting word from the Lord, right?

Now, I wish I could tell you that life won’t ever feel scary and that you won’t have to struggle because the Good Shepherd is there, but that isn’t true. I still struggle with mental battles. The darkness still feels scary.

Just last night, for instance, for no perceivable reason, I jumped out of my sleep, and things felt terrifying.

My brain continues to play tricks on me and presents challenges in my life daily. My brain misfires and sends signals that keep me on heightened alert. It tells me that I am in danger constantly and toys with my emotions. However, I know that my emotions are not reality. Feelings are just feelings, not facts. Triggers and trauma are not truth.

Whether or not you deal with the same issues I do, I’m sure your feelings sometimes say you should be afraid, too, right? They tell you to worry. Stress out. Panic. Give up. There is no hope. You are alone.

But nothing could be further from the truth. God is always, always, always right there.

When you get a bad doctor’s report, guess what? He’s there. When a loved one dies, He’s there. When you’re dealing with family drama, He’s there. When you’re facing inconvenient employment changes, He’s there. When mental health battles get intense, He’s there. When you’re plagued by financial woes, He’s there. When scary, unexpected things pop up and threaten to undermine your security and stability, He’s there. When others leave you, He’s there and will never forsake you.

Christ, your Good Shepherd is reminding you that whatever you are facing, you are not alone. That’s the beauty of our relationship with Him. He holds us in the dark. Though the darkness feels scary to be sure, our Shepherd cradles us close and walks alongside us through the valley of the shadow of death.

He whispers, “Fear no evil, for I am with you.” Not only that, but throughout the journey, He provides you with everything you need to make it through.

Today, to remind you of His provision, I’m stirring Ephesians 1:3 NIV into your cup of inspiration, which says, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.”

As you drink down the contents of your cup, hear the voice of the Good Shepherd reminding you that He loves you; that He doesn’t want you to be afraid; that He wants you to be confident that He is walking with you in the darkest, deepest valleys; and that He will see to it that no weapon formed against you will prosper.

Rest. God is with you in the dark.

Now, let’s pray.

God, thank You for walking through the deep, dark valleys of life with me and reassuring me that I have no need to fear. I praise You for being my provider, protection, and the lover of my soul. When I feel intimidated, please let me sense Your presence and be comforted and confident in every season. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you desire prayer, please allow me, along with my intercessory prayer team, to stand in faith with you for breakthrough. We would be so honored. We have seen God work over and over again. There is power in agreement. Click here to request prayer now.

As always, thanks for reading and until next time... may today's cup of inspiration uplift, encourage, and empower you!