"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." I murmured softly.
My feet were heavy beneath me, sore from the wounds inflicted through my journey. The fog was getting thicker with each agonizing step, and making my lungs ache with every breath.
"You are my shepherd. You are my shepherd, oh Lord." The words breathlessly passed through my lips, giving me comfort when comfort was hard to find in this desolate place. My long journey towards righteousness has brought me here, and I must make it through to the Celestial City.
The pathway suddenly narrowed, and the drop off on either side became steeper. A red glow from the bottom of the cliff began to burn into the haze. I clutched my book closer to my heart and quickened my pace. The sound of my heart beat echoed in my ears, or was it someone else's? A chill shot up my spine.
"Prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies," I said as the rock gave way underneath my feet. I reached out as I fell and caught hold of a tree branch. I was suspended over the pit, my weight only being held by a small tree perched perilously on the side of the rock. I exhaled in relief and finished, "You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me, all the days on my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord, Forever."
Tucking my book inside my coat pocket, I reached out with my other hand and pulled myself up cliff. The sharp rocks brought blood to the surface of my hands only making my task more difficult. Finally, I made it up the side and on to the pathway. As I sat, I pondered for a moment gazing at the small tree that saved my life. It had to be the only living thing here beside myself, and it was curious to me how such a young tree was able to survive such an awful, dreadful place. A small smile crossed my lips and I patted my book in my pocket, "You are to good to me."