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When Shadows Fall: Finding God in the Valley


Walk with Shel through the valleys of fear, trauma, and healing in this tender reflection on Psalm 23:4. Discover how God's light meets us in the shadows and leads us into rhythms of grace.
Walk with Shel through the valleys of fear, trauma, and healing in this tender reflection on Psalm 23:4. Discover how God's light meets us in the shadows and leads us into rhythms of grace.

"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,I will fear no evil;For You are with me;Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me."— Psalm 23:4


There are valleys in life that feel too deep to climb out of. Shadowed places where fear looms, and the light seems far away. But Scripture promises: we are never alone in those valleys.


King David, a shepherd turned king, wrote Psalm 23 likely during a season of deep conflict—perhaps while fleeing for his life. The "valley of the shadow of death" may have referred to a physical path known for danger and ambush, but David's words transcend geography. They describe the terrain of the soul.


And I know that terrain well.


My Valley of Shadows

As a child, I was gripped by fear—especially around men. I couldn't explain it, but I ran from school to hide in my room, convinced something dark was waiting for me. That fear didn't vanish as I grew. It followed me into marriage, into motherhood, into ministry.


I remember hiding in my closet, crying—crippled by shame, the weight of performance, the fear of failure.Even in places that were supposed to be safe—Bible studies, friendships, conversations—fear sometimes found its way in.


But God did not leave me in the shadows.


Through trauma counseling, mindset coaching, and scripture, sacred moments with God began to piece my heart back together. I began to see the Shepherd's hand reaching into my hiding places.


Mindset coaching helped me take fearful, hidden thoughts captive and replace them with truth—gently shifting my inner narrative from shame to security, from fear to faith.


God gave me a vision: I was the young girl again, isolated in my room, begging for my father's love. And God said,"Shel, turn around. Step into My light. The love and healing you seek—it’s found in Me."


From Hiding to Healing

I no longer hide in closets of shame. I no longer believe the lie that fear has the final say. I no longer live from a place of isolation.


Everyday,  I walk with the Shepherd.


His rod (protection) and His staff (guidance) are still at work in my life.They come through His Word, His Spirit, and His people.They come through sacred rhythms that whisper, "You are not alone."


Shadow Scriptures That Point to Light

If you or someone you love is walking through their own valley, here are some scriptures that have gently led me back to the light:


  • Psalm 27:1 – "The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?"

  • Isaiah 9:2 – "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light..."

  • John 1:5 – "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."

  • 2 Corinthians 4:6 – "For God... made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory."

  • Ephesians 5:8 – "For once you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light."

  • 1 John 1:7 – "If we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another..."


Reflection & Journaling Prompt



What "valley" have I walked through that felt too dark to name?

Where have I seen the light of God begin to break through?

What does it look like today to walk with the Shepherd—into the light, into healing?


"The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want..." Even when the path is shadowed, Even when your heart is weary, May you know the comfort of His presence, The protection of His rod, And the gentle guidance of His staff.


You are not alone.

You are not forgotten.

There is light.

And His name is Jesus.


Coach Shel


 
 
 

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