Surviving the Darkest Night
by Ruth Hawkey
Most of us, at one time or another, are called to walk through a particularly dark period in our lives. It may be the loss of a job which we love; a difficult confrontation within the family or, as in my case, the death of a husband after fifty-five years of marriage.
How do you not only walk through such a dark and bleak time, but actually survive it and move on? People will share with you a number of ways which have helped them to live through these sad and anxious times. For example, friends have suggested to me the benefits of television; having a hobby; always accepting an invitation to go out no matter whether we feel like it or not; always having something to look forward to. All of these are very helpful in themselves.
However, in my experience, it is only the help of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, and His army of friends (the Body of Christ) which will help you to get through the dark nights and the quiet days.
The twenty-third Psalm has been such a comfort to many thousands of people since it was penned by King David many, many years ago, simply because it holds deep truths. He truly does walk through the valley of the shadow with us no matter what has caused the darkness to fall.
We only have to ask Him to accompany us step by step, and we’ll find that we’ll not only survive, but overcome.
Prayer: Dear Father, please help me to recognise the presence of Jesus the Good Shepherd as I walk through the valley of the shadow. I choose to believe that His rod and His staff will protect me, and His presence will comfort me through all the dark places, and through the shadows that frighten me, whatever they may be. Thank You, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Ruth Hawkey has had the privilege of working alongside Ellel Ministries from the very beginning. She and her husband Joe helped to begin the work in both Glyndley Manor and Canada. She has written a number of books including Healing Emotional Wounds, Healing the Human Spirit, Generational Blessing and Generational Sin, and Praying for Children. She and her husband also helped to develop prayer ministry teams in the local church.
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