November 14, 2024 -- Psalm 23:4 -- What does God think of you?

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.
Psalm 23:4 ESV
 
Believers willingly, intentionally submit their lives to God and look to Him to direct them in His loving care. No doubt you know Psalm 23 very well. The soaring, opening statements of being led to still waters and invited to bed down in the abundance represented by green pastures are soothing to the soul. Interesting, the Good Shepherd does not leave His sheep in the place of ease. He will lead them.
 
The valley of the shadow of death is the place where the follower of Jesus Christ denies his old sins and temptations and addictions. It is death to self. It is death to the tyranny of heart and mind and yielded obedience to the wisdom of the Shepherd Who has already provided so many good, soul-restoring things. Walking with Him through the valley of the shadow of death promises He has still more in store for you. Follow where He leads.
 
The valley of the shadow of death is the place of instruction. When someone is lost, or in crisis, or experiencing confusion and there is a reliable leader nearby, he will gladly cling to that experienced leader for instruction and rescue.
 
The valley of the shadow of death is the place where the light of the Shepherd shines most brightly. He Who is the Light of the World pierces the darkness of failure and brokenness and leads His people in victory. It is like the forty years in the wilderness when Israel was going through the wilderness in their Exodus from Egypt to the Promised Land. You read of the many, oh so many, times when they sinned. Murmured. Complained. If they’d have only looked up they’d have seen His fiery pillar of cloud at night leading them.
 
The valley of the shadow of death is where believers find deepest community. Rich communion with the Good Shepherd and deep, true blessedness in the company of others who cling to Him as well. Prayers become sweeter when shared with fellow pilgrims who know their urgent need for the Living God.
 
What does God think of you? He loves you so perfectly, so truly that He sent His Son from heaven to rescue you from the Egypt of your sins. He provided the Good Shepherd Who laid down His life for you. He directs you, by day and by night. His Spirit makes the beauty of the Word so vibrantly real that self-doubt and the pressures of the world and the wiles of the devil are exposed as mere shadows before His mighty, tender, power.
 
Father in heaven, thank You for the Good Shepherd, Whose presence is life and peace. Thank You for the Holy Spirit Who lifts our eyes from circumstances and troubles so that we can instead see Him Who is the Light of Life. Thank You, Father, for the people You have placed in our lives who, in Jesus’ Name, walk with us through the storms of life, assuring us of Your goodness and love. Amen.

https://youtu.be/OoojA0cLPWY?si=Z5XvstW0er_jO24Z Psalm 23 Shane and Shane
 

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