I don’t like to drive on unknown roads in the dark, especially in bad weather. I can’t see the lines well, or anticipate curves and other lights make vision difficult.

Dark valleys of illness, suffering, loss, broken relationships, financial struggles, and spiritual struggles are very frightening. Why? We don’t know the outcome. Psalm 23 reminds us even in the “darkest valley,” God is present.

“The Lord is my shepherd;

for you are close beside me. (Psa. 23:1-4, NLT)

The battle is bigger than us

6 “Be strong and courageous, for you …will lead these people to possess all the land. 7 Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you.. 9 This is my command — be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Josh. 1:6-9, NLT).

Three times Joshua is told “Be strong and very courageous.”

“Be strong and very courageous ” – remember God called you and will provide for you.

“Be strong and very courageous ” – be obedient when difficult.

“Be strong and very courageous ” – In tough times, don’t be discouraged – God is present.

It can be an overwhelming feeling

Grieving the loss of Moses, the task was overwhelming, and life can be that way.

Isaiah wrote:

1″Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;

Because I am God, your personal God.”

We feel the pressure around us. But our personal, loving God doesn’t abandon us – he surrounds us. Even in death His presence is near.

The inability to see ahead is scary

Earlier, before Moses’ death he gave these promises. They faced a tough enemy. They couldn’t see ahead, but a pillar of cloud and fire led them in the darkness. When you can’t see your way, the good news is God has already gone in front of you: In front of your illness, divorce, anxiety, loss or pain.

“6 So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” (Dt 31:6-9, NLT).

Even as he faced death, Moses had this blessed assurance.

Suggestions for facing the unknown

Welcome God’s presence

The Good Shepherd (Psalm 23) doesn’t abandon us. Jesus’s last words to his disciples were “And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matt 28:20, NLT).

Bath in God’s peace

From Prison Paul wrote these words:

“6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 4:6-7,NLT).

Real peace is “shalom” or wholeness.

Jesus said “That’s my parting gift to you. Peace. I don’t leave you the way you’re used to being left–feeling abandoned, bereft. So don’t be upset. Don’t be distraught” (Jn 14:27, MSG).

God promises to “keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” (Isa. 26;3, NLT). The Hebrew is literally “shalom, shalom” or “peace [upon] “peace.”

How to experience this?

Trust in God’s hope

But when I am afraid,

they will walk and not be faint.”

Give it to God, like you would throw something far away. “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7, NIV).

Hoping, waiting, trusting, facing the unknown, now that is a good Word for this time.

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Dan Hamilton is chaplain at Geisinger-Lewistown Hospital.