The Dark Valley

gaylaburt

A strong man. A loving man. A Godly man. That’s my dad. Well, at least that is the dad I will always remember. But, as we walk with my father through the black night of dementia I find myself longing every day for the man we used to know.

But our God is ever faithful. That is why I write today about the “dark valley” of Psalm 23:4.

“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.“

I have a specific lesson for this verse that I prepared months ago, and I will it post later on. But today, my heart feels a little raw and I just want to let my readers know that, although your days look stormy and your heart may ache, you have a great big God who is walking with you.

When I consider the days ahead, with my dad in a memory care facility during the quarantine, fears try to overwhelm me. When I consider the toll this disease will take on his body, I feel hopeless. But, when I consider the faithfulness of my God…there is a great peace that takes over.

I have had weary moments this last week when my prayers seemed lost in the shuffle of the 24 hour care I have been trying to give my dad. But God has given put me to bed with the sounds of songs and Scriptures, prompted by the Holy Spirit, that have effortlessly come to my mind. I have awakened some mornings with a specific thought that brought such peace. As it stayed with me through the day, I would realize that it wasn’t a random thought, but a specific verse from the Word of God that I had forgotten about.

Yes, God is faithful. Even in the valley of the shadow of death. It is only a shadow. Our Shepherd walks with us. I will fear no evil. Rest in this promise today.

You are loved. gb

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Published by gaylaburt

Lover of Jesus and His Word. Always seeking to know Him more. Eager to share this journey.

8 thoughts on “The Dark Valley”

  1. So sorry for the circumstances you and your Dad are caught up in with this virus. Maybe soon the quarantine will be lifted for care facilities. It is so hard with dementia patients just coping with everyday life. My heart goes out to Mr Brady and to you. Love last forever. ❤️

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  2. Just after your first sentence, I immediately started reminiscing about sweet Pops….from the moment your sweet family lovingly welcomed us at Jackson First to his weekly visits to Merle Norman. Mr. Grady, such a fine man of God.
    Gayla, I love you so much! Prayers and blessings for you and your family.
    I enjoyed catching up with you yesterday ❤️

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    1. Love you, Loren. My dad always enjoyed talking to you. But, of course, he loved talking to all the pretty girls!

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  3. We are dealing with dementia as well, only it’s not a parent but my brother who is one year older than I am. Being a caretaker is emotionally draining on a number of fronts, and is very hard on our family. My prayer partners have been invaluable and are just a text or call away. For me, I am slowly becoming a hermit, confined more and more to my home.

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    1. I understand. It’s difficult in so many levels. Being confined to home takes a toll. Thankful you have prayer partners to stand with you.

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