"Even 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."
Notice the verb: walk. David does not fly over the valley or tunnel under it. He walks through, at grief's own pace, one slow step after another. What makes the valley bearable isn't the absence of shadow but the presence of a Shepherd who knows this terrain. If today feels like the valley, you don't need to explain it away or rush the timeline. You need company. He is already beside you, rod and staff in hand, not hurrying you toward the other side.
Shepherd, I am in the valley and I don't know how long it lasts. Walk with me, and let Your presence be enough for today. Amen.