The Valley

Recently I walked through the shadowed valley with my dear sister. We knew what the valley was, but we weren’t sure what obstacles would be in the way. But God’s promise to hold our hand and guide us through were our shield against uncertainty and fear. She was sure of her love for God and His love for her. She was trusting Him to guide her step by step in that valley. He promised to receive her into glory. That was her assurance and peace.

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.  For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.”  Isaiah 41:10, 13

Now, none of us want to think about death. Most of us who believe in Jesus are not afraid to die- we’re afraid of how it will happen. My sister’s strong faith and her history of seeing God provide and help her in the ordinary daily struggles had prepared her to trust Him in those last days.

“…I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:23-26

These verses from Psalm 73 describe well, my sister’s faith and experience. Her life here has ended, but death was just the entry into glory for her. God doesn’t let us know any details about that future, just that there is a sure and real future that will extend into eternity.

When I read more of Psalm 73, I was challenged by verse 28.

“But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.”  Psalms 73:28

I could tell you all the specific ways God helped my sister, her husband, and family. I could tell you how He turned what seemed like a terrible occurrence into a mercy that has helped us all to deal with our grief. The list of people, ways God blessed and eased her, and helped all her family is long.

What I am compelled to share with you is this. What you do now will greatly affect how you face that final valley. Your relationship with God now, and your obedience to follow what He tells you to do now, is preparation for your life to come.

Don’t ever let your faith falter when the trials come. We will all face troubles. This is training. No training is fun at the time. It is hard and we may want to slack off or give up. But if we keep our eyes on Jesus, if we let His Word fill our minds, and listen to the encouragement that the Holy Spirit gives us, we will complete our course well. Wherever we fail, we cry out to God to forgive and help us and He does. He will hold our right hand and guide us, sustain us, and carry us when need be.

May we be able to say, “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psa.73:26

God held my sister’s hand through her suffering. I can trust Him to hold my hand as He has done in the past. He will continue. He is my Sovereign Lord and refuge.