Psalm 23 is a beautiful reminder of the comfort we can find in knowing God is watching over us.
One of its most recognized lines comes from verse 4:
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.”
This verse speaks to the courage to walk through difficulty, fear, extreme suffering, and even death—trusting that, whatever we face, God is unwavering and assures us we are never alone.
Personal Experience with Grief
I have suffered the great loss of close family members and continue to grieve to this day. I believe grieving is a lifelong process, and it doesn’t need to be avoided. After losing both my parents and younger brother within a three-year period, I have found that Christ meets me in my suffering and sadness, which brings me to the foot of the cross.
Whenever I hear a song that reminds me of my brother, I weep tears of “sweet sorrow.” Deep in the tenderness of my heart, time seems to stand still, and we are joined together by the love of Jesus. Nothing can come between us in this sacred place. There, I feel the presence of God- “…for you are with me…”
Spiritual Practice and AA
In times of personal tragedy like grief, the program of AA has taught me to remain in conscious contact with God. Prayer, meditation, and working with other alcoholics are my primary tools. These practices not only sustain me during difficult times but also help me draw strength from spiritual passages like Psalm 23. It’s like making continuous deposits in my spiritual bank account- knowing the day will come when I need to make a withdrawal.
“For if an alcoholic failed to perfect and enlarge his spiritual life through work and self-sacrifice for others, he could not survive the certain trials and low spots ahead.” – Alcoholic s Anonymous, pg.14- 15
This AA passage means that maintaining and growing one’s spiritual life is essential for an alcoholic’s recovery. It suggests that through helping others, we are growing in the spirit of God, and can endure the inevitable challenges and setbacks we encounter- “…I will fear no evil…” Without God, we may not have the strength or resilience needed to stay sober.
Bringing it Full Circle
Death is an inevitable part of life, and experiencing grief is a natural response to loss. In moments of deep sorrow, I find comfort in the belief that the Good Shepherd will search for me and guide me back home, offering reassurance and hope even in the darkest times.
Through my own experiences, I have noticed a pattern: with each loss of a loved one, the arrival of a new grandchild has brought a sense of renewal. This blessing serves as a powerful reminder that life continues, and even amid pain and hardship, hope and new beginnings emerge. The joy of welcoming a grandchild underscores that blessings can arise in the most challenging circumstances, reinforcing the cycle of life and the enduring presence of hope.