Intro:
These couple of sections of Psalms 23 are quite confronting. I pray that you will read them with life giving hope from the Holy Spirit today.
Opening Prayer:
Holy Spirit, draw near to me today. Jesus, help me to experience you carrying me, just like in “Footprints”. Thank you that in my hardest times, Jesus, truly you carry me.
Amen.
Bible Verse:
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
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.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely your mercy and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
Forever.
(Psalms 23 NIV)
Reflection:
That’s powerful isn’t it. This verse acknowledges that I do walk “through the darkest valley” (another translation) or “the valley of the shadow of death” at times. Sadly, yet realistically, there will be times when we go through experiences that are like going through the darkest valley. It may actually be overwhelming grief due to the loss of a loved one or the break in a treasured relationship or even the loss of a job, career or calling or of a dream shattered.
All these can be like walking through the darkest valley. They are such tragic and life impacting experiences.
Yet we have hope don’t we? Unlike those who have not yet experienced the life transforming love of Jesus, we have hope. Hope because we fear no evil. Hope because his rod and staff comfort and protect us.
Emmanuel. God is with us! That is our hope. That is our strength.
Where do you need hope and strength from the Holy Spirit today?
And who can you share it with in need of hope around you?
Prayer:
Thank you Holy Spirit that you come alongside us. Thank you that you breathe hope and life into us even in the darkest valley and even in the greatest grief or loss. Breath on me afresh Holy Spirit that I would experience your hope and strength again.
