Present in the Valley
Sometimes the darkest valleys come right after our greatest victories. You can be crushing it at work, thriving in relationships, and walking closely with God - then suddenly, the darkness hits. Depression doesn't wait for convenient timing.
David understood this reality intimately. Even after being anointed king, even after slaying Goliath, he experienced deep despair. In Psalm 42:5, he writes, "Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me?" But notice what follows: "Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him."
This isn't about forcing happiness or pretending everything's fine. It's about acknowledging the reality of our pain while still anchoring ourselves in God's presence. David didn't deny his anguish - he brought it straight to God.
God isn't intimidated by your dark days. He's just as present in the valley as He is on the mountaintop. You don't need to fake being okay.
Check out my new book Hope for the Heavy Heart.