Monday; January 4

  Like most people, one of my favorite passages is the 23rd Psalm. There is just something so comforting about David’s poem that features a trip to a peaceful pasture and an invitation to a royal banquet. As both a shepherd and a king, I imagine David was quite familiar with being at peace and being honored.

While the whole psalm fills my soul with spiritual hope and peace, there is a passage that I have come to appreciate as much as any of the images, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. (Psalm 23:4). As I reflect on the picture David paints I can imagine walking through a dark, treacherous place filled with natural hazards as well as the hidden dangers of the enemy. We can imagine the anxiety of starting off down the path certain of the lurking hazards then, all of a sudden, feeling the comfort of the safety and security of God walking beside us carrying the biggest stick of all! What started off as a venture out in trepidation becomes of walk of assurance and triumph! With God beside us, there is nothing to fear!

As we enter into a new year, what are we worried about? What could happen to our journey if we believed in an Almighty God walking with us and, if necessary, picking us up and carrying us through the valley of the shadow of death? Let’s not be afraid, let’s be faithful!

        Think About It!

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