25th February, 2026

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The Lodestar

Online Magazine for the Thinking Christian

Devotional

Through the Valley of Darkness: How God Lifts Us When We Feel Low

“Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation” (Psa 42:5).

By Paulson Pulikottil

Every human being, without exception, has experienced moments of low spirits. Sorrow and anxiety are universal aspects of life that we all encounter.

When dark clouds surround us, we are enveloped in darkness. I have been on mountaintops when dark clouds brought visibility to zero, so I could not see my team standing near me. It was a frightening moment.

In such moments, we find strength in each other. The grip of another's arm is a powerful reassurance that we are not alone; we are there for each other, united in our struggle.

Then, when the wind swipes the dark clouds away, and the sun brightens again, it is a celebration.

The child of God may go through "the valley of the darkness of death" (Psalm 23:4), but, like the psalmist, he must hold on to God's reassuring hands. He encourages us to hope in God and to keep praising him rather than complaining.

In God's plan, no clouds are there for the stay, but trust that the Lord will shine upon us in dispiriting times.

Cheer up, the Lord is around.

(To receive devotionals daily on WhatsApp, join the group by clicking here).

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