Ever feel like your groping around in the dark when it comes to navigating your course in life? I have certainly walked through some dark times and I really prefer to see the morning light. But life is not just about our preferences.
As I pick back up reflecting on Psalms 23, I chose to focus on vs. 4 today.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. (KJV)
As a sheep on the journey with the Shepherd, yes even with the Shepherd, I’m going to walk through some dark, valley-like places. However, the dark terrain we walk through in no way signify that the Shepherd is not present. (No matter how much we lament that we can not sense His presence). It is those times that we need to remind ourselves of us his promise to never forsake us.
When we trust in His presence in our present, there is no need for fear. The desire to see and be in the know creates anxiety but it’s the shepherds job to protect us from the things we can not see in the dark. Even in familiar places, things have a way of looking differently in the dark—those eerie shadows and strange noises have a way of being amplified. It is then that we hear those nagging whispers of:
- It will never happen for you
- Nobody will ever love you
- You’re never going to get there or you’ll never get of this
Although God doesn’t provide a promise of a quick exit from those valley wanderings, He longs to comfort us as we continue to walk with Him.
When going through dark times, what words have you found to be most comforting to you?
[simple_series title=”Psalms 23 Reflections”]
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I love Psalms 119 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.
Hi Akinee, that’s one of my favorite passages too. Actually Psalms in one of my favorite books in the Bible.
Perfect words of wisdom. Right now, I am holding onto Isaiah 53:4-5! Amen and amen! Blessings to you Wanda.
What a great scripture promise to cling to JBR.
Dear Wanda,
Today those words feel like they were written for me. I feel like I’ve been wandering in the dark all by myself. There are times it doesn’t feel like the Shepherd is with me.
Thank you for the reminder He is right there with me and protecting me. Some of scriptures most encouraging words that I cling to is that the Lord will never leave nor forsake me.
Man blessings in Christ…Susan
Yes, I remember a season in my life that literary rehearse scriptures about not been forsaking and studied deeply about that because everything in my life appeared as I was forsaken.
You’re speaking to my heart, Wanda. When faced with natural darkness, I am often forced to lose fear. I am really afraid of anything that crawls, but when I step out to walk at dawn or dusk I notice that my senses are more alert to movement and sound(as opposed to solely depending on sight). So, it is for me also when there is spiritual darkness; I have learned to just move with God and listen to Him instead of depending on what I can see. These words have helped:
At your rebuke, O God of Jacob, both rider and horse lay stunned. – Psalm 76:6 (This Scripture tells me that God does not just destroy what comes against us, but whatever and whoever supports or enables it)
When your ancestors cried out to the Lord, He put darkness between you and the Egyptians. He made the sea flow back and cover them. You saw for yourselves what I did to Egypt. Then you lived in the desert for a long time. – Joshua 24:7 (This Scripture reminds me that the darkness I fear is often shielding me from greater harm)
Joshua told the people, “Perform the ceremonies to make yourselves holy because tomorrow the Lord will do miracles among you.” – Joshua 3:5 (Joshua 3 overall is my go-to Chapter. It reminds me that the dark and uncertain places are where we prepare best for what we have not faced before).
I was just telling some ladies yesterday that I’m afraid of any things that creeps and crawls. Walking during the wee hours of the morning has taught me a lot about spiritual aspects of my life. All too often I rely on my sight which is counterproductive when it comes to a life real faith.
Blessings…..
I see you’ve made some changes. I trust all is well with you?
I have a saying,”some days I feel on top of the world and other days I feel like the world is on top of me.” I know the Divine is always with me though at times I am not always with myself hence is presence feels far away from me because I am far away from myself and he dwells within.
Nice ….
Keep it coming.
Rhapsody
Yes, I’m trying on a new blog look. Still tweaking somethings here.
Wonderful post~ My Dad’s favorite bible passage 😀
I try to remember it isn’t my time, my turn and to continue onward~
Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Ellie.
I like that you are changing it up! It is fresh looking 😀
Oh thanks Ellie, let me know if you encounter any problems or weird things on the site. I’m still finding my way around the new theme & everything is not quite like I want it.
Groping around in the dark does describe many times in our life….thankfully we have a good Shepherd