The Valley of the Shadow of Death--Words in the Midst of COVID 19

The valley of the shadow of death -seems to be creeping in all around us.— it feels like it’s just closing in from above and below -- behind us before us.

I don’t know about you but I don’t feel like I can escape it.   

The routines that center me and orient me are evaporating. I woke up one morning this week and I had no idea what day it was. 

I find myself increasingly disoriented as I get slammed by new cycle after new cycle—there is just so much information– and I  struggle with how to weed through it all and I am never really sure if I’m making the right decisions.   

I’m finding myself increasingly sad as things I really enjoy or had looked forward to are canceled and postponed or not available.

And I just really feel for those who have it even harder than I do—I should be ok economically, I think from a health perspective I should be fine, but I’m sad for our brothers and sisters right now who this absolutely devasting to--- I feel for those on the front lines who are risking their lives--- are tired—I feel for those who are all alone.

I am sure that the valley of the shadow of death looks similarly for you. 

I don’t really know what the valley of the shadow death looked like for the person that wrote the 23^rd Psalm, but I am a little bit thankful that he wrote about his experiences and his abiding faith—that even in the valley of the shadow of death—he was clinging to God and he could see things that lifted his spirit.

These words are words that bring us comfort—we read them at gravesides and at the funeral service because that they remind us of something deep and abiding about God --- God steps into the valley of the shadow of death and  walks with us and gives us strength to just take--- the next step.   

As you have walk through the valley where have you seen God with you—it’s probably not going to be some grand obvious thing—Jesus is not probably going to show up at your bedside and say I am here---I’m with you. There are probably not going to be really big flashing neon signs----  here I am

 It’s going to be little- a moment of hope--- a moment, when it doesn't, feel like the sky is falling down….A nice thing that happens to you.

I'm also thankful that in the valley the psalmist says that God restores our souls- It isn’t just about walking with us but it is about healing- and restoration

I don’t know about you but I need restoration—I need healing from the wounds that the valley is inflicting.

What are the things that you are doing that will allow God to blow life back into your weary soul—where are you finding life and hope and happiness in the midst of it all. I have loved that it seems like every time I open up Facebook musician’s both professional and those who not are ---- offering their talents for the greater good they are offering ways to blow life into our weary souls.   Or images of teachers driving through neighborhoods beeping at their students. The creativity is astounding—and it buoys me—I love to see how folks are helping each other— in remarkable ways—we are sharing ourselves and loving each other the ways that Jesus commanded us to.  And I find witnessing that restorative. 

This week I want you to open your eyes and look for the places where you see God--- those little subtle reminders that God is with you in the valley… that God is spreading a table--I want you to look for activities and places where your souls can be restored.  We need those moments we need those activities.

The gospel that Bill just read was about a man who was born blind who received sight and the ability to see God in his midst—while those around him the Pharisees and many others were blind to God in their midst—

If there was ever a day that we need to see God with us –it’s today

If there  ever  is  a day that we need life and energy and goodness blew into our tired and weary souls it’s today.

If there ever was a day that our neighbors need to know that they are not alone and know they are loved –it’s today.

If there ever was a day that we need to know that God walks through the valley of the shadow of death it’s today.

May we get up from our computers and our tablets and phones and know that even thou we walk through the valley of the shadow of death--- God is with us and that God is blowing life into our old tired souls.

AMEN