The quick and correct answer is always “Jesus,” but this is not always and automatic response. Different people respond differently to the dark valleys of life. Let’s look at a few responses and use them to draw ourselves into the safety of our Shepherd:
- The docetic view. This view is often seen in Eastern religions, Christian Science and with some unbelievers. This view, in my opinion, denies the reality of suffering and pain. It says that the dark times of life are actually an illusion.
If the dark times are indeed an illusion, then God’s comfort and guidance in the dark times is not needed. The “cure?” Either end or embrace the illusion. Alone.
2. The hedonistic view. We can all associate with this view. This view aims to reduce pain and acquire pleasure instead. This, I think, is our natural tendency when facing suffering, pain and darkness.
The problem is when we “reduce pain and acquire pleasure” at any cost. For some this includes sinful behaviour. For others, it means not dealing with the pain, suffering and darkness and instead supressing it in favour of what feels good and right.
3. The stoic view. Have you ever heard the saying, “keep a stiff upper lip?” This view says that we do not have control over what happens to us, but we can choose how to respond to it. Which is true.
The problem enters when decide not to let anything bother us, not to let anything get us down, in other words, keeping a stiff upper lip. A trembling lip betrays your feelings and says that tears are about to follow.
4. The real view. Jesus wept (John 11:35). Face suffering, pain and darkness head on in the power of God. Indeed, it is in the valley of the shadow of death where comfort is found through the shepherd’s rod and your staff. In darkness, you cannot see where to step next. Just because you cannot see, does not mean that the shepherd also, cannot see. A shadow is defined by light and a shadow cannot harm you.
In this view, we know that suffering, pain and darkness will surely come. This view encourages us, in these times, to look for God’s presence. Just like Psalm 23.