Valley of Shadows

12x15
Pastel on Archival paper

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness

forever.

Fear is the currency of the aging. And living without fear is one of life's greatest challenges. We seek it out, store it up, and can even find our identity in it. Buzzwords like "anxiety" plague our culture and for many, they seek a remedy in all the wrong places. But as Psalm 23 reminds us, we are not to fear. Yes, the valley of shadows is real, but if you are a child of God there is no reason to fear. In fact, we should reject fear as it is not from God. Scripture tells us "Do not fear, for I am with you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand" (Isaiah 41:10).

The Lord faithfully walks beside you, He is your protector, your provision, your hope, your rest.

"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want", therefore I see light even in the Valley of Shadows.