Walking in the Dark

By Chaplain George Nix

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”
– Psalms 23:4

Years ago, when my children were young, they would actually sleep with their door open. We lived in a townhouse, and the two bedrooms were upstairs, separated by a small hallway.  I worked a second job at night, on the stock crew at a grocery store. When I came home, in the pitch black moonless night, I noticed that the street lights were off.  I entered the dark apartment and thought of turning on the light to help me navigate the stairs, but decided not to, so the children would remain asleep. 

How many steps are there? I couldn’t tell you, but I wished I knew, as I began slowly ascending, praying each step of the way. I made it to the top, almost stumbling over as I navigated an invisible top step, which signaled the end of the journey. 

I walked 2 more steps, felt for the bedroom door, turned on a light, breathing a sigh of relief and thanking God for guiding me in the dark.

As we are navigating through the darkness, the unknown, of this health crisis, remember that God’s presence is a comfort and guide, and we truly don’t have to fear evil, as David reminds us.

Prayer:  Gracious God, you have bound us together in a common life.  Help us, in the midst of this darkness to see your light, to have no fear and to know your presence as a comfort and guide.  Amen. 

Chaplain George Nix was born in Chicago, Illinois. George has been a Chaplain with Pruitt Health Hospice for 10 years.