[ Today's Readings ]
Even though I walk in the dark valley I fear no evil; for you are at my side.
There is nothing for us to fear if God is by our side. This should give us courage like that of Susanna.
If I yield, it will be my death;
if I refuse, I cannot escape your power.
Yet it is better for me to fall into your power without guilt
than to sin before the Lord.
God's presence should make us courageous like Daniel, who speaks up for the truth in spite of being a youth in the face of esteemed elders. The same Spirit that stirs ardor within him lives even more in us.
God stirred up the holy spirit of a young boy named Daniel,
and he cried aloud:
"I will have no part in the death of this woman."
Even if we ourselves are not innocent like Susanna we still don't need to fear when we have Jesus to protect us. His mercy keeps us safe.
"Woman, where are they?
Has no one condemned you?"
She replied, "No one, sir."
Then Jesus said, "Neither do I condemn you.
Go, and from now on do not sin any more."
The dark valley is sometimes of our own making, other times it is a test through which we are allowed to pass. In either case we can trust in our shepherd to get us safely through. When we are in the valley we can get tunnel vision. We can begin to think the valley is all their is. But there is more.
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
In verdant pastures he gives me repose;
Beside restful waters he leads me;
he refreshes my soul.
Susanna trusts in the LORD to save her. Daniel is inspired with zeal in courage to speak up for truth. The women in adultery is able to turn to Jesus when she has no other hope. The LORD rescues and protects all who trust in him. We may walk through the dark valley. But thank God for the through. We do not stay there.
He brought me out into a broad place;
he rescued me, because he delighted in me (see Psalm 18:19).
Let us turn to God. We know that we are not entirely innocent. But we also know that we can trust in the mercy of the LORD. We know that in his mercy we will reach the end of the dark valley sooner or perhaps later. Let us ask him not just to cast out fear from our hearts but to inspire courage within us.
Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord (see Acts 3:19-20).
Even if the valley is long it is a brief momentary affliction compared to the glory that is to be revealed (see Second Corinthians 4:17)
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