Thursday, May 9, 2019

Even in the valleys

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.~Psalm 23:4

I do not recall being afraid of the dark as a little girl, but I do I fondly remember my lamp with a little girl with praying hands at its base.  When we are young, at least for me, darkness was just a physical occurrence.  It was not overwhelming because you knew it could always be dispelled with a flick of a switch.  

However, as we grow and learn more, the darkness becomes shadows that can linger.  The light is there because, as many wise men and woman have shared, a shadow needs light.  Yet, sometimes understanding that the light is present does not make the journey through those dark valleys any less harrowing.

I am a child of God, the true and living King.  And I am in the shadows.  The shadows of depression, anxiety, and disease.  I actually prefer the physical darkness to try to hide away from the heaviness of the dark clouds, but His Word is true-It doesn’t matter where I go- HE IS WITH ME. ( Psalm 139:8)

Perhaps you are walking through a valley experience right now.  Maybe it’s due to the loss of a loved one, marriage woes, single woes, financial difficulties, or just plain disgust with the evils in this world.  If you are there, turn on your lamp, His Word!Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.~Psalm 119:105

Cry out to the our Great Intercessor, Jesus( Romans 8:34).  He is is there with open arms and and open heart.  Listen to the truth that He brings as He soothes your soul and eases your heartache ( Psalm 34:18). Know that you are walking through the valley He didn’t say that we would stay there, but walking through to another side.  A side where our table is prepared by Him.  A table where the enemy’s mouth will gape wide open as He sees the goodness of the Lord and His favor all over us.

It seems so hard to wait.  I know it’s hard.   Sometimes I just want to I’m done, but my Father has the final day and He tells me that His goodness and mercy shall follow me all my days and I will dwell in His house forever.  ( see Psalm 23)

So speak life over yourself:

“God, my God, is with me.  I am not alone.  He is my comfort.  The Lord is my protector.  God is good and He is good to me. And in the mighty name of Jesus I will not fear. No weapon formed against me shall prosper.   I will not worry and fret.  I am His and He loves me. “

Father, You are God in every situation and circumstance.   Help us to trust You in the valleys.  Lead us through the shadows and be mindful of your precious light.   I love you Lord.  In Jesus name. Amen 

4 comments:

  1. Hi Jennifer. Thank you for being transparent. You are a blessing to others who suffer from depression, anxiety and illnesses. Despite your challenges, you continue to worship and trust God. I pray that God continues to use you as a vessel as your healing manifests. By the way, that was a beautiful song you listed below. Have a blessed day!

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  2. Jennifer, thanking you for posting your site in First 5 today, May 9. I am in a season of relearn trust and at moments it seems very dark. Your prayer and words to speak over this season is very encouraging. Prayers as we walk with our Faithful God.

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  3. I thank God for you! You are a precious sister in Christ! Thank you for continuing to encourage others and sharing with us. To God be the Glory for the things he has done. Love you! Number 6:24-26

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