I love the Lord’s Prayer. I end most days with it before going to sleep. Such a sweet and secure thought to know that we have a godly Shepherd who watches after us. Our gatekeeper while we sleep. I was going through my normal routine last night when something caught my attention. I have read it most of my life.
It is the walking part. I have never personally been near death myself but I have walked with a number of dear souls who have. I realized last night that this verse for today does not say, “yea, though I stay in the valley of the shadow of death.” We walk through. We don’t stay there. Not only do we walk through but our Savior walks with us! He is protecting us. That thought brings me such comfort.
Thought For Today:
There is no time more difficult than letting go of our beloved family and friends, unless it would be a prolonged illness. That too, is extremely difficult. Panic, dread, fear, exhaustion and deep sorrow settle in during those times. There are other life events that take us through the valley. Times of rejection, financial hardship, lost relationships, work issues and depression. They are all valleys. There just doesn’t seem to be a resolution. Maybe there is a resolution but it is not happening fast enough. Sleepless nights spent trying to figure out what to do and how to get through…this valley.
I can only speak to my own valleys here but I remember a time when I was running scared through them, alone. Jesus was nowhere in sight, in my life. Not because He had left me. At some point I had decided I could handle things on my own. There is no loneliness like a life without hope. Then you take that first step and run toward Him, a prodigal child coming home. His arms, open wide, receive you with all the bruises and dark places that a life without Him brings. He forgives.
The next valley time, there He is…walking with You, slowly guiding you through the hard parts, the really scary and sad parts. The shadows are there but they are not as scary as before. He comforts us as we walk in the cool of the evening with Him. Yes, the valley seems long and dark. There is a mountain just ahead. When we first realized it was there it seemed we could not conquer it. Then we remember who is walking with us and He assures us we can do all things through Him.
Psalm 23:4
4 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. (NKJV)
Philippians 4:13
13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (NKJV)
Prayer For Today:
Hello Father! Thank You for sending Jesus. The valleys are not as scary with Him at our side. We pray for all who are hurting and walking alone. We pray that they come to know the Good Shepherd who walks through the valleys and stands on the mountaintops with us. Only He can ease our minds with the hope that is in Him. Thank You that You hear our prayers and You answer us. Forgive us of our sins. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
© 2015 Kathy Ledbetter all rights reserved