Monday, February 23 This Lonesome Valley

Scripture:
“If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” Luke 9:23

Hymn Focus:
“You gotta walk that lonesome valley,
You gotta walk it by yourself…”

Lent is a season that invites us into the quiet places—the valleys where distractions fall away and we come face to face with ourselves before God. The spiritual “This Lonesome Valley” reminds us of a truth we often resist: some parts of the journey of faith must be walked alone.

This does not mean we are abandoned. Rather, it means that faith is not something we can borrow or delegate. No one else can repent for us. No one else can surrender our pride, confess our sin, or choose obedience on our behalf. Lent calls us to personal honesty, to take responsibility for our walk with God.

The hymn’s simplicity echoes Jesus’ words: “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” The valley represents those moments when the way is narrow and the choice is costly—when faith requires courage, humility, and trust rather than comfort or applause.

Yet the hymn does not end in despair. It also declares:
“Jesus walked that lonesome valley;
He had to walk it by himself.”
Before we ever stepped into our own valleys, Christ entered one for us. He faced temptation, rejection, suffering, and death—not because He had to, but because He chose to walk the path of obedience for our sake.

In Lent, we remember that Jesus understands the loneliness of our struggle. He does not stand at a distance; He walks with us, even when the road feels solitary. The valley becomes a place of deep encounter, where faith is refined and trust is strengthened.

As you journey through this Lenten season, do not rush through the valley. Walk it prayerfully. Listen carefully. Trust that God is at work in the quiet. And remember: though some steps must be taken alone, you are never beyond the reach of Christ’s presence.

Prayer

Faithful God,
When the path feels lonely and the valley feels deep,
help us to walk with courage and honesty.
Remind us that Jesus has gone before us
and walks with us still.
As we travel through Lent,
strengthen our faith, deepen our trust,
and lead us toward the hope of resurrection.
Amen.