Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil… Psalm 23:4.
Are you there? Have you been walking through the shadows of death? Or are you sitting at the bedside of a dear loved one that is? This can be one of the hardest places to dwell. David knew it, David felt it, David lived it. David cried out to God in his pain, but he consoled himself knowing that God was there. He knew that God’s rod and staff comforted him. This Psalm really has so much more meaning than one may realize, but it has been a cherished passage throughout all time and space because WE GET IT!
Yet even in these times we are reminded that God has never left us or forsaken us. He continues to lead us beside those still quiet waters. He says come sit let me refresh your souls. Drink from the living water that I have for you. The cool, crisp, soul quenching water that brings about a balm for our shattered hearts and a well spring of eternal life.
David also penned the wrenching words from Psalm 30:5 “For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for a lifetime; Weeping may last for the night, but a shout of joy comes in the morning.”
Nothing on this earth lasts forever, pain will end, sorrow and heart ache will be healed, God’s favor is the duration of our short time on this earth. Even though we may find ourselves weeping at night we are assured that it will not be forever. Joy will dawn in the morning as the SON wraps us in the warmth and comfort of his tender care.
Jesus said, “Come all of you who are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
As I sit here in the beautiful Rocky Mountains of Colorado, I had the opportunity to walk around the National Park, sitting beside the still waters of Sprague and Bear Lake. It was an opportunity to breathe in not just nature and majesty but the GOODNESS of God. A chance to be quiet, a chance to remove myself from the bombardment of life. The Pain, the Sadness, the Craziness, the Business of my current life.
So many in our congregations and those that I am close to are in those shadows and sorrows. Where do we draw our strength? David also wrote, in Psalm 121 “1 I will lift up my eyes to the hills, from where does my help come? 2 My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. 3 He will not let your foot slip; He who keeps you will not slumber.”
I lift up my eyes and gaze at these beautiful mountains, the trees, the flowers, the animals, the quiet waters and I am reminded that if God put forth so much effort into each and every tiny detail of his beautiful creation then I can be assured that he is watching over me and the events in my life.
If you feel the footing under you slipping and falling way, take heart, He will NOT let your foot slip, it is in him that you are on solid ground. God is on watch 24/7. He is saying “Come here my child, rest…cast your cares and burdens at my feet. I’ve got you. And I’ve got this. While this is hard and tough you will not walk through the shadows forever, I will lead you beside those still waters once again. And a peace of refreshing grace will wash over you.”
Prayers and hugs to all of you.
Shalom
Pastor Penny
