Good morning Lovelies. Father God, I give you all that I am this day. Please brush away my weariness, So that I may be inspired in my work. Help me to discover new ways to reveal your love to all I meet. Keep my mind clear and focused on all I need to achieve and give me the wisdom to overcome difficulties and find solutions. I look to you and trust you are with me this day. Quiet our minds, still our hearts for your living ways are all we seek. Strengthen our lives. Inspire our spirits in your living waters that flow endless grace. In the Mighty, Matchless name of Jesus. Amen.
Darkness upon darkness. Sorrow upon sorrow. Pain upon pain. Agony upon agony. That’s death. Death is a fearful visitor, snatching away people who are precious to us and leaving us behind to mourn, grieve and wonder. It blocks the light that before had shined so freely and easily on our lives. Whether we’re facing the prospect of dying or dealing with the death of a loved one death can be devastating. It can sap our energy, change our plans, overwhelm our soul, alter our outlook, test our faith, steal our joy, and challenge our position about life’s purpose.
When we walk through the valley, we feel swallowed up by the shadow and come face-to-face with fear. The frantic emptiness of our loss threatens the comfort that previously originated from our trust in God, and so we grow afraid. Afraid of the future. Afraid to enjoy life again. Death casts a frightening shadow over us because we are entirely helpless in its presence. We can struggle with other enemies, pain, suffering, disease, but strength and courage cannot overcome death. It has the final word.
Yet, in the valley, under the shadow, we can say to the Lord, “I will fear no evil, for you are with me.” (Psalm 23:4). His loving arms never let us go. He is always with us. He provides comfort and release from the darkness. He gives light. He leads us out. Sometimes, God must lead us through the valley of the shadow of death so that we are in a place where He is our only help and we can have an opportunity to die to our own desires, to our fears, to our own selves. Has Jesus ever led you to a place like this? To the valley of the shadow. Are there times when the going is really, really rough and you feel like you might fall into oblivion when you took your next step? God wants to give you that kind of sure-footedness, while you are in the valley, leading you out of the darkness and into the marvelous light. He wants you out of the valley.
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.3 He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.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.” Psalm 23:1-4
Live life, give people hope and share your heart, wisdom, and resources. Never place a period where God says there should be a comma.
As always peace and blessings, be safe. Take advantage of your opportunities but never allow your opportunities to take advantage of you. Remember God loves you and so do I. © krw 4.11.18
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