Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalms 23:4 NIV
We all go through valleys; there are no exceptions. During those journeys, the days seem dark indeed. Satan, in those times, likes nothing better than for us to feel alone, discouraged, and fearful. But, the evil one delights in turning our times of difficulty into a reason to doubt our faith. He does this because that is who he is–the Prince of Despair.
But because we serve the Prince of Peace, we know the devil is a liar. Christ never leaves us to walk alone but always walks beside us, and he is not just a passive companion but uses that rod to drive away evil and the staff of the Holy Spirit to encourage us gently onward.
Some of us may be heading into a dark valley right now. Others, amid the journey. Yet others may just be beginning to see the glimmer of light ahead. Know this, wherever you are in the journey, Christ is with you the whole way. He will never leave or forsake you because that is who he is–a God of love and compassion, our Good Shepard.
Precious Shepard, we give thanks for this promise. When we are journeying through our dark valleys, Satan tells us we are alone and that you do not care. However, we know with confidence that this is not true. You have been with us in the past valleys, are with us now, and will be in the future. God, help us to remember your constant love and to be obedient to your guidance. We pray this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
