light at the end of the tunnel

Photo by Mary Catherine Meirink - St. Louis Zoo. March 13, 2022

I grew up in St. Louis city, home of the world famous zoo where admission is free! It has a walk through bird cage built for the 1904 World’s Fair, the Monkey Show, and a train ride through the zoo.

Adrenaline rushed through my childhood whenever the train got close to the underground tunnel. I wish I could say I was not like one of “those” kids who screamed or cried while going through the dark tunnel, but I was. Even if I appeared calm, trust me. I wasn’t. It’s a wonder my frantic grip did not break the wooden seat. I strained every muscle while looking ahead until I could yell in the darkness. There’s the light!

Even if you have never ridden the train at the St. Louis Zoo, I am rather sure you can relate to seasons when all seems dark. Psalm 23:4 addresses our need of help in such times.

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. NLT

I love the honesty and wisdom of this verse.

It’s okay to admit that, this low place is dark.

It’s okay to address the reality that, you’re struggling with fear.

It’s okay - and important - to remember. You are walking through this valley. It is not your forever place. You are moving forward because the Lord is with you.

You might not see or feel His Presence. You might feel lost because, you don’t know where you are or where you’re going. If so, I have good news!

God is not lost. He knows exactly where you are - and - He can get you where you need to be, when you need to be there. He will never leave you nor forsake you… even in your darkest valley.

I have a question. What if? You opened this random post as a glimmer of hope that, light is at the end of tunnel.

Hold fast, friend. Lean into the Lord.

You are going to get to the other side.

May the Lord illuminate your darkness.

May His face shine upon you and give you peace.

Amen.

but even in darkness I cannot hide from you. To you the night shines as bright as day. Darkness and light are the same to you. Psalm 139:12 NLT

The LORD is my light and my salvation— so why should I be afraid? The LORD is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? Psalm 27:1 NLT

the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. Matthew 4:16