"Even though I walk in the dark valley, I fear no evil, for you are at my side.." (Ps 23:4)
The accusation and conviction of Susanna in today's gospel as well as the charges against an unknown woman in yesterday's gospel are reminders that events can occur in one's life that cause helplessness. While "transparency" has become a word abused or misused as often as "awesome," there continue to be times when your life or my life can be turned upside down, inside out.
It seems, in those circumstances that helplessness surrounds us. During two of winter 2010's snow storms in the DC area, many people were left marooned on the island of their homes. They were trapped: electricity was a hoped for return or repair each hour for several days; roadways especially on side streets were impossible. What were we to do? Imagine life without TVs, computers, telephones, cars locked in garages, driveways or frozen along the curbs? These were simply inconveniences when compared to personal difficulties many face or live with each day.
Psalm 23:4 can remind us of the footprint in the sands pictures. Our God does not abandon us.. Neither did he leave the unknown woman nor the distressed Susanna to undergo the death of stoning. "Even though I walk in the dark valley, I fear no evil, for you are at my side." How helpful these few words can be for those who have had to take on the care of a loved on afflicted with serious illness. How comforting for those who cannot find employment. And how soothing for a dedicaegd spouse or parent when addiction takes up residence in the family abode.
Surely there are dark valleys on our road map of life. It is so important for you to remember that whatever "evil" weighs heavily upon your heart and soul. God has promised to walk with you. He "refreshes" your soul. To those heavily burdened now, don't give up. Let God east your pain.
