There is a verse in Psalms that I want to discuss today. It is from Psalms 23, which is a very popular chapter and I believe that it is familiar to all of us. What stands out to me today is the verse that talks about 'the valley of the shadow of death'. If you think like me this may sound like a terrifying and scary place. I imagine darkness, shadows, fear and impending death all around.
I believe that this psalm is referring to the world we live in. There is a lot of darkness in this world. And every living thing on this planet will die eventually. As people who live here we all go through some pretty dark things. When we go through these things it is easy to feel like it is just you but this is the human experience. We all go through dark times. Things like depression, sadness, illness, loneliness, fear but none of these things should be permanent in our lives. Just like the psalm says, we will go through these things... not live in, get stuck in or wallow in. These things are meant to only be temporary.
The best part of this Psalms is what it goes on to say that, 'I will fear no evil for thou art with me'. This means that there is no reason for you to fear anything because you are never alone. The God that created you is always with you, protecting you. He knows exactly what you are going through. This also lets me know that none of the negative things that happen to you has any power over your life, unless you give it power.
We have to keep our focus on God. Know that He is in control of everything. Know that He is all powerful. And know that He is always with you. When you know these things, you can walk through every storm the enemy throws at you with no fear. Keep in mind that no matter what you go through you can count it all joy. Count it all joy because as long as you are living your life for Him, the end of the story does not change. God wins and one day you will return home to Him.
So there is no downside, keep your head up, stay strong and remember He is right by your side.
Psalm 23:1-6 1A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
James 1:2-4 2My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
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