“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.” Psalm 23:4
We all face times of desperate need. Like you, no doubt, I sure wish that it wasn’t the case. I wish it didn’t need to be so. The fact of the matter remains, though, that you and I are not exempt from “walking through the valley of the shadow of death.” And when we find ourselves in that valley, it often seems as if faith rapidly goes flying out the window and fear, anxiety, and discontent quickly come in to replace it. Why is it that even the faithful fail to walk by faith at times? Why do we live our lives in fear? I would suggest to you today that it is perhaps because we have forgotten His presence.
Throughout Scripture, God makes a point to repeat Himself on a certain promise – the promise that He will never leave us nor forsake us. (Deuteronomy 31:6 and 8, Joshua 1:5b, Hebrews 13:5) I can’t help but think that because He knows our weaknesses and our frailty, in His love and mercy He continually reminds us that we are never alone because He knows that we need the reminder. I know that I need this reminder today. Do you? The God of the Universe, the God who spoke all creation into existence, the God who fashioned and formed us in our mother’s womb, the God of grace that sent His Son in our place…He never leaves us. He never forsakes us. Never.
I have loved Psalm 23 for a number of years now, but today it holds a very dear place in my heart as I cling to this important promise. Despite everything that life throws my way, I have no reason to fear anything, because my God is with me. I face nothing alone, because my God stands beside me. No pain or disappointment is greater than the comfort that His Spirit readily provides. You and I find all that we need in Him. Our every fear can melt in the face of His unending love for us. Every unmet desire that has left you and I heartbroken can find comfort and healing in His strong embrace. Even the shadows of death can be overcome by His light.
Do you need a reminder today just as much as I do? God is with you. He goes before you. He is your rear guard to protect you. Even in the valley of the shadow of death, my friend, may you rest assured that His comfort will meet you there. You are not alone. Almighty God is right beside you.
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