"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." Psalm 23:4

A shadow is something that can only exist where there is light. If I see the dark image of my shadow on one side, I can turn and gaze upon the brightness of the sun on the other side. As a child, I recall laying in my bed at night making shadow figures dance upon the wall. There was just enough light coming in the window from the moon to fuel my playtime. A shadow really is nothing to be feared. And yet, when we find ourselves immersed in the shadows, seemingly unable to see the light source, fear creeps in and the darkness stalks the sensitive emotions.

I live in these two extremes--shadow and light. Every day I live under the shadow that death has cast upon my life. The shadow is filled with sadness and loneliness. The shadow is very real. Sometimes the reality of it overwhelms me. I cannot deny it, it does exist. But there is light in my life too: my family, my friends, my church, my Lord. If I linger in the shadows I will soon despair, so with effort each day I turn and gaze upon the brightness of the Son of God and all that He provides. It is a valley I walk in that is not of my own choosing. So I draw strength from the promises of Psalm 23 verse 4: "...Thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." He says He is with me. But just in case I cannot see Him in the shadow, I can touch the rod or staff and know He is there.