Emerging From the Realm of Darkness

Posted on by Chris G Thelen

I have journeyed through the deep, dark valley

Felt the pain, sorrow and trauma

Struggled to take each step forward

As I traveled that beaten down, rutted path

Occasionally I glanced up from far below

And noted a slim slit of light high above the canyon walls

Wandering in this deep pit of despair

I encountered many others trudging with heads down

Focused on the darkness and the worn path below

I tried to direct them to look up at the light

But they refused to listen, called me names

Attacked me with hateful words and foul language

Discouraged, I soon found myself with my head down

Feeling beaten, weak and tired I slumped on the path

I cried out to God for help, cried for what seemed like days

Then I heard someone walking by me

I couldn’t even lift my head to see who passed

I could hear their feet stop and step next to me

I felt a hand upon my slumped and weary shoulder

I tried to look up but could not muster the energy

“I will walk with you, help hold you up,” the person said

I felt two strong arms pull me to my feet

I looked forward at the deep, dark valley ahead

Too weak to take a step, this person nudged me forward

We journeyed for months along a winding path

Often barely able to see the light above

Eventually we emerged out of that deep, dark valley

Surrounded by daylight, we sat a moment on the edge

I could feel the light warm my chilled body

I peered over the edge and looked down at the valley

So dark and deep I could not see anyone in it

Then I looked up at my partner through this journey

I saw not one, but many faithful followers of Christ

Those obedient to His call, to answer my cries for help

Still weakened from my journey, I asked them, “Why?”

One of the faithful answered, “I once walked that valley;

I know the pain you felt, I know you needed help.”

I nodded and looked back down at the valley

I too now know the pain of that lonely journey

Perhaps with renewed strength I will return to the valley

To help others emerge from the realm of darkness

#Retrospective: This post originally published September 25, 2018.

“Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” — Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NIV)

Praise be to the Lord, for he showed me the wonders of his love when I was in a city under siege. In my alarm I said, “I am cut off from your sight!” Yet you heard my cry for mercy when I called to you for help. – Psalm 31:21-22 (NIV).

© 2018 CGThelen

11 thoughts on “Emerging From the Realm of Darkness”

  1. Pingback: Emerging From the Realm of Darkness — 140 Character Christian – quietmomentswithgod

  2. Amen my sister in Christ Jesus I feel you I have been there and I pray for all those still there and God has blessed me and my family with the fellowship of the faithful Many Blessings

  3. This is beautiful, though born out of great pain, friend. Oh, how we pray for God to spare those we care about from despair. But here you have identified the redemption of personal grief…the growth of the Body in sacrificial love.

  4. Woooow! I love the twist at the end – that it was not Jesus in the flesh, but His body of believers who helped you. So true – that’s how God works!
    Great writing.

  5. I lived through a dark depression for several years during the worst years of my suffering with Celiac. This really hits home for me! I survived it only because the Lord lifted me up and carried me through it. He is so faithful to us! God is with you! God bless you!

    1. Amen. God is faithful! I am glad he carried you through. It is only by God’s love and grace working through his faithful that I was able to climb out of it. I now have a better understanding of how to help others walking through the deep darkness of depression. Blessings to you.

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