Held in the Valley of the Shadow
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18).
Loss comes in many forms—a loved one, a friendship, a job, or a dream. It can arrive suddenly and violently, like the terror of 9/11, which shattered our nation’s sense of security. It can also come as a targeted act, such as the assassination of Charlie Kirk, leaving a community reeling from political violence. In these moments, it is natural to feel overwhelmed by pain and fear. The future can seem uncertain, and you may wonder if anyone, especially God, sees your immense sorrow.
The Bible assures us that God is not a distant, untouched observer of our pain. Psalm 34:18 tells us He draws near to the brokenhearted, not after we have recovered, but right in the midst of our sorrow. Jesus, too, was “a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief” (Isaiah 53:3), and He wept at the tomb of His friend Lazarus, even knowing He was about to raise him from the dead. His tears show us that grief is a human reality, and it is okay to mourn. Our Lord grieves with us, making His presence known most intimately when we feel most alone.
The journey through grief is a personal one, with no timelines or “right” ways to feel. You may experience waves of sorrow, unexpected triggers that bring memories flooding back, or a confusing mix of emotions. All of this is normal and part of the process. In this valley of the shadow, God is not asking you to deny your feelings or rush to “get over it.” Instead, He invites you to bring your pain to Him, to pour out your heart, and to lean on Him for strength.
As we mourn those lost to acts of violence and hatred, whether in the tragedy of 9/11 or the more recent attack on Charlie Kirk, we hold on to a hope that transcends this broken world. With each painful step, your loving God is carrying you. He will comfort your heart, strengthen your weary spirit, and remind you that you are never walking alone. He promises to be our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1).
As you plan your day, try to find a quiet moment to reflect on the legacy of courage and conviction you wish to carry forward in the face of loss and adversity. Intentionally bring your feelings of sorrow and anger to God in prayer. Ask Him to help you transform these painful emotions into a resolve to stand against hatred and division and to build a more loving and compassionate world.
Heavenly Father, we thank You for blessing us with people who convict us, challenge us, and enrich us. Even when we only know them a short while, they leave a lasting imprint on us and we are blessed for having known them. We come to You with heavy hearts, burdened by the weight of loss and the sorrow of recent events. Even though may not have known Charlie personally, and though we may or may not have close friends or relatives who died in New York, Pennsylvania, or Virginia on 9/11/01, we mourn the violence of their deaths and we grieve the loss of their influence.
We pray for all who are suffering today—for the families and loved ones of those lost, and for a nation shaken by acts of violence. Thank You for Your promise that You are near to the brokenhearted. Please draw close. Give us the strength to navigate this grief, the courage to feel our emotions, and the faith to trust that You are with us in this valley. Help us to find moments of comfort in Your presence and to hold on to the hope of Your everlasting love. In Jesus’ Name, AMEN.
