DARK VALLEYS

I Was Just Thinking About – DARK VALLEYS.

In Psalm 23 (NKJV), David writes about the moment(s) in life when one experiences a Death Valley reality. It can occur when one is thought to be gravely ill; or when a loved one  - whether young or old – dies; or when a medical diagnosis indicates death from a malady is a distinct possibility. David expressed his concern when he stated (Psalm 23:4), “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death.” While he has earlier expressed his confidence that “The Lord is MY Shepherd…”, he is well aware of the dangers in life’s journey – enemies, uncertainties, unknowns, consequences for errors made. One Commentator states about this phrase: “through a dark and dismal valley, full of terrors and dangers…” Never-the-less, he expresses: “I will fear no evil, for You are with me.”

I have shared on other occasions that a concern when one is subjected to chemotherapy is one’s mental adjustments and responses. One Doctor visited with me briefly about “Chemo-brain” and how one’s thinking can be impacted. An Area Cancer Center just had a workshop/Seminar on the subject of “Brain-Fog.” One of the mental possibilities addressed frequently during treatment s whether or not one has contemplated suicide within the past couple of weeks. It can occur when a Stage Four diagnosis triggers mental negatives such as despair, hopelessness, giving up, depression, the sense of aloneness and/or suicide. The National Cancer Institute suggests:  “Treatment with chemotherapy is a predictor of fatigue and can be exacerbated by the coexistence of pain, depression, and/or anxiety.”

How one copes with the mental challenges during treatment vary widely. The mental concerns are real and the spiritual conflict is ongoing. In my Case, I am so thankful for the number of passages of Scripture that I had memorized over the years, along with several Hymns that had been learned and referenced in most of my writings. This morning, I passed along a note to a dear person of God whose Lymphoma has returned and is being treated. The note included the words of the Hymn:

Though troubles assail and dangers affright,

Though friends should all fail and foes all unite;

Yet one thing secures us, whatever betide,

The scripture assures us, the Lord will provide.

When Satan appears to stop up our path,

And fill us with fears, we triumph by faith;

He cannot take from us, though oft he has tried,

This heart–cheering promise, the Lord will provide.

He tells us we’re weak, our hope is in vain,

The good that we seek we ne’er shall obtain,

But when such suggestions our spirits have plied,

This answer one clings to, the Lord will provide.

No strength of our own, or goodness we claim,

Yet since we have known the Savior’s great name;

In this our strong tower for safety we hide,

The Lord is our power, the Lord will provide.

One of the lessons I have learned regarding the “valley of the shadow of death” is to avoid being critical or judgmental as others pass through this valley with their burden and need. Some cannot let go of a loved one who has died. Others cut off friends and church groups preferring aloneness rather than friendships that can offer hope and comfort. It is a tough time to pass through the valley of the shadow of death. Be certain that The Shepherd is there with you. His “rod and staff” will continue to guide and comfort you as you continue your journey with Him.

Prayerfully – consider these things with me.