“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
Navigating your way in a dark room can be a bit daunting, even if you know the room well.
When I have to get up to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night, my arms are extended in front of me as I slowly make my way to my destination. As careful as I am, the way is never quite how it should be. As was my health this year.
Earlier this year, I incurred a tooth extraction brought on by a severe infection that made its way into the underlying bone. After two failed courses of oral antibiotics and invasive oral surgeries, a concern of sepsis (blood infection) sent me to the local emergency department to do a five day course of IV and oral antibiotics. Upon completion, another alarm suggesting osteomyelitis (chronic bone infection) had me back to emergency with a directive to do the same IV and oral meds for 6 weeks! I was immediately overwhelmed with dread.
However, two days into the lengthy course, my body responded with a severe allergic reaction that brought breathing difficulties, a head-to-toe itchy rash and many other unsettling symptoms. After allowing five days for the reaction to calm down, while taking antihistamines around the clock, I did a final 10-day course of different antibiotics that was, finally, effective in dealing with the infection. Oh, but that’s not all…
Once I finished with that fifth and final round of medication, my energy level plummeted and I couldn’t digest any food. By the leading of the Lord, I switched to a natural approach and it was observed, during testing, that my entire system and bloodstream had become toxic from the eight weeks of medicine and painkillers I had ingested.
Yet, through it all, God was walking by my side, carrying me and intervening as I writhed in pain, wept bitterly at my situation and felt hopeless. There were moments when I doubted a full recovery would ever happen. My valley was low and dark but God spoke hope to me even as I waved the white flag of surrender, on the edge of giving up.
Today’s verse was his word of truth that resonated in my heart and mind as I struggled to persevere through each subsequent week of discouraging news. God’s tangible presence plowed through the dense brush of the valley I was trudging in, lighting the torch of his promise. My eyes began to see a glimmer of hope.
For my faithful God saved me. He destroyed the fear and hopelessness Satan used to imprison me; they fell to the ground like broken shackles. I was restored. My journey ‘through the valley of the shadow of death’ resulted in a renewed faith and a heart more intricately interwoven with the heart of my Lord. As I continue with a natural regimen, God continues healing me and bringing me back to better health.
That is who he is. That is what he does. No matter the road we travel, it is never alone. Whatever darkness you are facing, don’t lose heart or hope. You are with almighty God.
Heavenly Father, thank you for stepping in and saving me. For never leaving me in my darkest moments. You are, forever, my rescuer and I love you. I pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Remember, before a trial comes into our lives, it has first passed through the hand of God. Hold onto him, for there are extraordinary blessings that will come from being in the darkness.
By Melissa Talbot
Used by Permission
FURTHER READING
• Passing Through Darkness by Mike Woodard
• Light and Darkness by Darren Hewer
• Rescued from Darkness by Phil Ware
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