The Valley

“Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.” Psalm 23:4

In meditation, I was reminded of the butterfly life cycle. In the third stage the caterpillar is done growing and makes a pupa for protection. This is the resting and changing stage. Totally out of the caterpillar’s control and comfort. It starts to look different. Its shapes start to change. Its wings are being formed. Nothing looks familiar. It’s dark and uncomfortable, yet true transformation is taking place. In the fourth stage the pupa opens, a butterfly comes out and learns to fly.

I seem to be in this third stage in my life. It feels dark, uncomfortable, and lonely and looks unfamiliar. It looks as though the grass is greener on the other side, as if everyone has transformed while my pupa seems to have malfunctioned. Somewhere along the way I took my eyes off God and His Word and placed them on people and stuff. I stopped trusting. I stopped believing. I stopped walking because every step seemed to lead to the dark valley. I had to reposition myself back in God’s presence and out of my own. I had to trust God through the valley instead of giving up in the middle.

Father I am sorry for not trusting you through the valley. Sorry for not being content in your presence and welcoming your comfort. I want what you want for me and that transformation happens through the valley. I want to show every man, woman and child at Hope Street how to walk through the valley, not being afraid; but confident that you are beside us with protection and comfort that only you can provide.

Amen,

Dominik Primus (Member Relations Coordinator)