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 NLT

Sometimes, life hits hard and unexpectedly, and a cloak of darkness snuffs out the light. But though the darkness hide Thee, yet I hope.

It was both the best and the worst day. I spent the entire time caring for my eighteen-month-old grandson. We went to the playground early to avoid the scorching heat, stopped by Critter Aquatics (inside and air-conditioned), and blew bubbles (a favorite). My grandson even took a glorious three-hour nap for his Mimi. Just after his mom picked him up, I did some calisthenics and stretching. But when I stood up, the pain doubled me over. I pushed through making dinner, barely ate anything, and went to bed. However, the bed brought no relief. As the pain intensified, I decided to visit the emergency room.

After five days in the hospital with no relief from my symptoms, the pain still engulfed me like a massive swell. Wave after wave of nausea overwhelmed me. I couldn’t keep anything down. I couldn’t read my Bible or even think clearly enough to pray. Where are you, Lord? Why this silence?

The nights intensified the silence. The buzzing, beeping, and whooshing of the machines surrounded me, constantly reminding me of my predicament. Twenty nurses doted on me as if I were their mother. I remember one night, a nurse peeked around the door to check on me, not to give medication or take vitals, but just out of concern. 

Bouquets of flowers arrived. Texts flooded my phone. Even though I asked for no visitors during the first few days, friends showed up anyway and sat with me during my misery. They saw me at my worst and kept coming back for more visits. My husband and son visited once, sometimes twice, a day. 

On one of those days, I discovered a familiar Bible app and found videos where others read Scripture over people and then shared a short message. An author friend had a prayer book coming out and posted prayers on her social media account. Each day, I let others minister to me—reading the Word, praying, and offering hope.

Finally, after five days, the GI doctor performed the surgery. Sweet relief lasted for twenty-four hours, until the anesthesia wore off. Still, I felt as if I had turned a corner. After nine days in the hospital, I was discharged. That Sunday, I watched the church service from the comfort of my living room. While the praise band sang, “Holy, Holy, Holy,” I broke down when I heard the line, “Though the darkness hide Thee.”

I couldn’t stop crying. Although darkness tries to conceal God, He walks with us through the dark valleys. He sends flesh and blood to be the hands and feet of Jesus. His Word reaches us from unexpected places. He never leaves us to face our suffering alone. He’s always present, comforting and protecting, just like a Good Shepherd.

Sometimes, we need a reminder about this Good Shepherd. When darkness overwhelms us, we may wonder why we experience so much pain if God sees us. Why does the suffering linger if God cares? But when we turn back to the ancient pages of Scripture, we find that even though darkness may try to hide Him, His goodness and mercy follow us all the days of our lives, including the darkest valleys.

Do you know someone going through a dark valley? Think of ways to be the hands and feet of Jesus to them.

Father, when dark valleys lie along my path, remind me that You are with me. When the path is for someone else, use me to show them goodness and mercy.

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2025: Though the Darkness Hide Thee: Sally Cressman: All Rights Reserved.