Trusting God in the Deeper, Darker Seasons of Life - iBelieve Truth: A Devotional for Women - October 5, 2026

Audio By Carbonatix

“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” - Psalm 23:4

The darkness in my bedroom seemed to swallow me whole. I’d been sick with a sinus infection for a week, but the symptoms still lingered. Having health anxiety didn’t help either. The heavy chest. The racing thoughts. The midnight belief: maybe I wouldn’t recover from this. Have you ever been here?

While sickness happens to all of us, dark seasons tend to convince us that we did something wrong to end up here. I’m not sure why, but my mind always believes that I got sick or encountered XYZ difficulty because of something I did. I’m in the valley, and I feel guilty for struggling. So, how do we trust God in these places? In the spaces where we can’t see the path ahead?

In Psalm 23, David tells us that we will encounter dark nights of the soul. Christians aren’t immune to these hard places spiritually, mentally, emotionally, or even physically (even though many of us try to act like we are). And yet, in verse 4, he moves from talking about God to talking to Him. 

According to the Old Testament, the Hebrew word for walking through deep darkness or the shadow of death, as David describes it, is the word “tsalmaveth,” meaning the deepest darkness known to human experience. But David isn’t just experiencing this darkness; he’s learning to walk through it with the Lord’s presence. How? By God’s rod (a symbol of protection), and staff (a symbol of guidance). 

Trusting God in the deeper, darker seasons of life is something all of us will encounter at one time or another. But here are three tips I’ve found for navigating them:

1. Name the Shadows.
Instead of acting like dark seasons don’t exist, bring them to the light. Tell God. Tell someone you trust. Journal your thoughts. If you’re having trouble naming your emotions, use a feelings wheel. As you write these down or speak them out loud, talk to God about each one. Take your time and don’t rush. The Lord wants to hear from you. 

2. Change the Script. 
Read all of Psalm 23. As you do, shift the language to first person. Become David and talk to God personally and intimately. Use the words “I” and “me”. Shift from asking God, “Why is this happening to me?” to telling Him how you feel: “God, I’m scared, but I know your rod and staff will guide me even here.” 

3. Surrender Control.
Continue to read over and meditate on Psalm 23. Slowly let go of the need to “fix” the darkness and trust that God will be with you in whatever the next step brings. Instead of being ashamed of the darkness, know and trust that God sees you and loves you no matter what difficulties you’re walking through. This side of heaven, we will experience heartbreak, darkness, and destruction. I wish I could spare you from it all, but I can’t. What I can do, however, is remind you that He’s still here. With you. Protecting you. And blessing you even in the pit. 

If you struggle to believe this truth, try journaling these questions in the form of a prayer:

1. What shadows am I currently walking through?
2. How does Psalm 23 invite me to embrace the darkness and the light to come?
3. What am I most afraid of in this place?
4. What’s one practical way I can surrender control today?

Let's pray ...

Dear Jesus,
I’m in a season of darkness and despair. I feel so ashamed, confused, and fearful. When I’m tempted to be consumed by the depths of Sheol, sing Psalm 23 over me. Remind me of your presence. Remind me of your rod and staff. Remind me of your saving power. Please provide me with the peace I need to take one steady step at a time in the dark. Thank you for never leaving me, Lord. I love you.
Amen. 

What truth from today’s devotional is God using to encourage your heart? Share your reflection and join our conversation in the iBelieve Truth Devotional Forum.

Feel like digging a little deeper? Here is a wonderful resource to meet you right where you are. 5 Comforting Psalms for When We Worry: A Guided Reflection Journal

Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/JulPo

Amber Ginter is a teacher-turned-author who loves Jesus, her husband Ben, and granola. Growing up Amber looked for faith and mental health resources and found none. Today, she offers hope for young Christians struggling with mental illness that goes beyond simply reading your Bible and praying more. Because you can love Jesus and still suffer from anxiety. You can download her top faith and mental health resources for free to help navigate books, podcasts, videos, and influencers from a faith lens perspective. Visit her website at amberginter.com.

Related Resource: The Blind Spots Hurting Your Relationships

In this episode of I Wish You Could Hear This, Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn sit down with licensed professional counselor and bestselling author Debra Fileta for an honest and insightful conversation about the relationship blind spots many of us don’t realize we have. Together, they explore how emotional patterns, past wounds, and unrecognized habits can quietly shape the way we connect with others. 

Debra shares practical wisdom on how to grow in self-awareness, strengthen communication, and take ownership of the ways we impact the people we love. Whether you’re dating, married, leading others, or simply wanting healthier relationships, this episode offers hope-filled tools to help you break unhealthy cycles and build deeper connection. 

If you’ve ever wondered why relationships can feel harder than they should—or how to become a healthier version of yourself—this conversation is for you. Like what you hear? Be sure to follow I Wish You Could Hear This on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!

Like what you hear? Be sure to follow I Wish You Could Hear This on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!