The "valley" implies the lowest points in life -- times of deep grief or impending sorrow, either following a great loss or when you're in a season of suffering and anticipating loss. We all have our valleys, and thankfully, God walks with us and helps us through them.
To me, "the shadow of death" phrase has always stood out as something that is a constant part of our earthly existence. The shadow of death is always here... a vague tension, a looming threat. We know that earthly death is coming for us and those we love, but we are uncertain of exactly when and how it will come. It is more expected as people age, but children and young adults are obviously vulnerable, too. Even in the best of times, the shadow is there and we are vaguely aware of the possibility of major loss.
At dinner Friday night, we talked about what we are looking forward to most about heaven. The complete and total absence of the shadow of death was mine. I don't think it is something we can even fully comprehend here because the shadow of death has become such an ingrained part of daily life for us. But in the kingdom of God, everyone will be healthy and whole and happy and at their prime. We will enjoy each other with zero thought or worry that it might be the last time we see someone. There will not be sickness or disease or aging, and there will not be any fear for those we love. Everyone who is there will be there forever. The community will be solid, stable, and secure. Friends will never leave and family members will never die...
At "the restoration of all things," there will be no death or vague threat or shadow of death. And that is a HUGE and massively hopeful promise!!
💛💛💛
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