I love March. Plants come back to life from their winter sleep. Greens, pinks, and whites explode on the tips of recently bare branches. Birds sing songs and college basketball has its biggest moments.
My husband says my eyes turn into basketballs this time of year. I love upsets and close games (except when my Jayhawks are playing then I want blow-outs). My kids ask, “Why are we still watching basketball,” after only eight hours of games. I don’t get it. 
While I love the stories, obstacles overcome, and great basketball, it is difficult to see the look on those players’ faces when their dreams come to an end.
I wonder if they know the God who loves them whether they ever play basketball again. Do those kids know success is more than a national title? Can they see past the NBA scouts, injuries, successes, and failures to the God who orchestrates it all for His purpose? Do they see God’s success seldom looks like worldly success?
Do we see it? When our life looks abundant we are confident and sure God is smiling on us. Oh but when things start falling apart – our bodies break, we lose our jobs – suddenly we question. It is difficult to say with David,
“even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil for You are with me…” Psalm 23:4
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of dreams dashed…
…God is with me.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of unemployment…
…God is with me.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of adultery or divorce…
…God is with me.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of longing for a spouse…
…God is with me.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of infertility…
…God is with me.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of …
…God is with me.
God is with me. Doesn’t that change everything? Knowing the Creator of the universe, the God with plans for our good, Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine is with me…us. He never leaves us.
His presence doesn’t necessarily change the dark valley, but it changes our attitudes. His nearness offers hope because He is able. His closeness offers comfort because He is the God of all-comfort. His proximity reminds us He is in control. He walks the valley with us because He cares for us – isn’t that amazing?
Let’s remember no matter the dark valley God is with us.
The next dark valley you go through write a personalized version of Psalm 23:4. Carry it with you on an index card and always remember God is near.
What dark valley is God walking with you now? How can we pray for you?
