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
Sometimes the shepherd leads his sheep through dangerous territory to get to those green pastures and quiet waters. But all the while, he never leaves his sheep. His presence is our comfort - no matter our circumstances.
Joshua 1:9 says, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
Hebrews 13:5 says, '...God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."'
The presence and guidance of the Shepherd go hand in hand.
Notice that God does not exempt his sheep from trials. Sometimes he does lead us through a valley that makes us feel as though we're in death's shadow. All we want to do is get out! It's tempting to assume that God has abandoned us. How would a loving God allow this in my life? At this point, we must resort to absolute TRUTH. God is with me (Psalm 23:4, Joshua 1:9, Hebrews 13:5, Deuteronomy 31:6 and 8). God is sovereign (Daniel 4:25 and 35, Psalm 139:16, Romans 11:33-36). God is all-powerful (Genesis 18:14, Job 38, Joshua 4:24, Isaiah 40:26, John 13:3, Romans 1:20, Romans 4:20-21). God loves me (1John 4:16) .
Let's go back to the fact that God is sovereign. That means he is in complete control of everything. He rules over all the universe. There is NOTHING in all of creation over which God does not have complete, total and absolute control. The book of Job, Luke 22 and Daniel 4 are just a few illustrations his sovereignty.
What does this mean in regard to your "valley of the shadow of death?" It means this: nothing happens outside of God's control. EVERYTHING that happens to you or comes into your life is filtered through God's fingers of love. We've probably all been at the beach or in a sandbox. What happens when you pick up dry sand in your hand? When you pick up dry sand, you can control how much sand you let fall through your fingers and at what pace it falls through. You can even close your fist tightly so no sand falls through. That is what God does with our lives. Everything - good and bad - is filtered through his LOVING hands because he LOVES you.
He created you - your personality, temperament, likes and dislikes. He knew you at your birth (Psalm 139). Nothing - NO ONE - is a mistake or without purpose. No one can deliver from his hand. God has a plan for your life (Psalm 139:16, Romans 8:28-30). And everything that comes into your life has been filtered through the hand of the sovereign God of the universe and it is designed to work together for good and to make you more like Jesus Christ.
Romans 8:28 says, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
Because he is always working to make me more like Jesus Christ, I can accept whatever comes my way and even give thanks during a trial, affliction or storm. This knowledge of God Most High should change your thinking about your circumstances... about your marriage, your job situation, your financial situation, the government, your childhood and parents, the health of your spouse, feeling overwhelmed by parenting or with your busy schedule ... whatever you are facing.
This is one of the most vital lessons we as followers of Jesus Christ will ever deal with. Understanding his sovereignty can make a difference in whether we accept our circumstances as coming from him resulting in bringing him glory, or whether we continually rebel against our circumstances bringing him dishonor and causing bitterness within us.
Don't let your valley of the shadow of death be for nothing.
.JPG)
