Walking Through, Not Stuck In

“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)

Loss is a common source of stress. I can lose so many things—like my job, health, money, reputation, or a loved one.

When people go through loss, there are two common reactions: One is fear, and the other is grief.

Grief is good. Grief is the way I can get through the transitions of life. In fact, if I don’t grieve, I'll get stuck!

On the other hand, fear is a bad thing. Not once does the Bible say, “Grieve not,” “Mourn not,” “Weep not,” or “Cry not.” What it does say is, “Fear not.” And it says that 365 times! Grief doesn’t paralyze, but fear does.

David says in Psalm 23:4, “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” (ESV).

When that psalm was written, shepherds always carried a rod and a staff to protect their sheep. David knew that, in the same way, God had the tools to protect him. And he trusted God, even in the darkest valleys.

I will end up going through the valley of a shadow. It may be the valley of the shadow of death. It may be the valley of the shadow of debt. It may be the valley of the shadow of conflict. It may be the valley of the shadow of depression. It may be the valley of the shadow of discouragement.

Here are a few things about shadows:

First, shadows can’t hurt me.

Second, shadows are always bigger than the source.

And here’s more good news: Wherever there’s a shadow, there has to be a light. I can’t have a shadow without light. So the key when I'm going through the valley of the shadow is to turn my back on the shadow and look at the light. Because as long as I keep mt eyes on the light—Jesus, the Light of the World—the shadow won’t scare me.

That’s how I can go through the valley of the shadow of death. That’s how I can lower my stress. I trust God in the dark valleys, just like David, who prayed, “When I am ready to give up, he knows what I should do” (Psalm 142:3 GNT).

In summary:

Psalm 23:4 reminds me that even in life’s darkest valleys—whether it’s loss, grief, depression, or fear—I don’t have to be afraid, because God is with me and fully equipped to protect and comfort me. Loss is inevitable and grief is healthy, but fear paralyzes. While shadows may seem large and threatening, they can’t harm me, and they only exist because light is nearby. By keeping my eyes on Jesus, the Light of the World, I can walk through the valley with peace instead of panic. Trusting God in the shadows lowers my stress and strengthens my faith in His presence and guidance.

Bottom Line:

In life’s darkest valleys, I don’t need to fear—because God is with me, guiding, protecting, and comforting me as I keep my eyes on Him.

Seeing God Clearly: The Source of Trust, Comfort, and Hope

“If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?. . .Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?” Romans 8:31-32, 35 (NIV)

How do I know that I can trust God to comfort me? Only by seeing him as he really is. If I think God is out to condemn me,then I’ll never trust him. Yet, the truth is, “If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:31-32 NIV).

The question is this: will I trust my feelings or the truth of who God is? 

Romans 8:34 continues to remind me that God really is for us: “Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us” (NLT). 

Jesus lived, died, and rose again to save me, not to condemn me. When my feelings tell me otherwise, they are lying.

Who is God really? Psalm 86:15 says, “You, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness” (NIV). God doesn’t minimize my hurts, and he doesn’t shame me for my habits. He sees my struggles and it’s as if he’s saying, “I can help you through this.” He is a compassionate God. 

The Message Paraphrase says God is the “Father of all mercy! God of all healing counsel! He comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, he brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us. We have plenty of hard times that come from following the Messiah, but no more so than the good times of his healing comfort—we get a full measure of that, too” (2 Corinthians 1:3–5).

One way to experience God’s love in a tangible way is by surrounding myself with other believers who know, love, and have trusted God. It’s in godly community that I can listen to one another, share honestly, and point each other toward my compassionate, loving God.

To experience true hope, I must see who God really is. Hope begins when I begin seeing him clearly.

In summary:

I can fully trust God because of who He truly is—a compassionate, gracious, and loving Father who is for me, not against me. He proved His love by giving His Son, Jesus, to live, die, and rise again on my behalf, not to condemn me but to save me. My feelings may mislead me, but God’s Word assures me of His faithful love and constant presence, especially in my struggles. He comforts me so that I can comfort others, and I often experience His love most deeply in community with other believers. True hope begins when I see and trust God for who He really is.

What Does God Say to Lonely People?

In Isaiah 53:3 I read, “He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.” (NIV)

If I ever wake up feeling lonely, God has something to say: “I understand exactly how you feel.” God is with me during this difficult season. If I thought Jesus didn’t understand loneliness, I’d be wrong. Jesus was despised and rejected by the people he created. He experienced loneliness throughout his entire life.

During his final hours, Jesus went to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray. This was an emotional time for him. He knew the very next day he would be crucified on the cross, separated from his Father.

Since Jesus had a need for human companionship, he took his three best friends, Peter, James, and John, with him into the garden. He said to them, “I’m very sad . . . Stay here and keep alert with me” (Matthew 26:38 CEB).

But what did they do? They fell asleep! Jesus came back and said, “Couldn’t you stay alert one hour with me?” (Matthew 26:40 CEB). Jesus must have felt so lonely at that moment.

The next day, he was nailed to a cross, where he cried out, “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” (Matthew 27:46 GW). Since Jesus was carrying the sins of the world, the Father couldn’t look at sin, at him. Jesus was truly alone.

So Jesus knows what it’s like to feel lonely. And he wants to relieve my loneliness. He cares about me and wants to help me.

Maybe loneliness isn’t an issue today. However, I might be surprised by who the lonely people around me are. Loneliness doesn’t care whether I’m beautiful, wealthy, successful, or popular. Even married people can be lonely; some couples never share any true intimacy, closeness, and fellowship. The pandemic has made it clear that no one is immune to loneliness. Eventually, each one of us experiences it.

When I’m lonely, Jesus understands and he wants to provide relief. The ultimate way that Jesus can relieve my loneliness is by making me part of his family. Through his own lonely death and then his Resurrection, Jesus made it possible for me to belong to God’s family.

When I’m part of God’s family, I still may face seasons when I feel lonely. But I will never truly be alone again.

In summary, Jesus was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. He was despised, and held in low esteem. If I ever wake up feeling lonely, God can say: “I understand exactly how you feel.” God will be with me during this or any other difficult season. Jesus was despised and rejected by the people he created. He experienced loneliness throughout his entire life. During his final hours, Jesus went to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray. Since Jesus had a need for human companionship, he took his three best friends, and said to them, “Stay here and keep alert with me.” But they fell asleep! Jesus must have felt so lonely at that moment. The next day, he was nailed to a cross, where he cried out, “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” Jesus was carrying the sins of the world, the Father couldn’t look at sin, at him. In that time Jesus was truly alone. So Jesus knows what it’s like to feel lonely. And he wants to relieve my loneliness. He cares about me and wants to help me. I might also be surprised by who the lonely people around me are. No one is immune to loneliness. When I’m lonely, Jesus understands and he wants to provide relief. The ultimate way that Jesus can relieve my loneliness is by making me part of his family. Through his own lonely death and then his Resurrection, Jesus made it possible. I still may face seasons when I feel lonely. But I will never truly be alone again because I am part of his family.

Who would believe that God would choose to save the world through a humble, suffering servant rather than a glorious king? The idea is contrary to human pride and worldly ways of thinking. But God often works in ways I don't expect. The Messiah's strength is shown by humility, suffering and mercy. 

Father, thank you for Your Word and Jesus as my savior and example. You want me and I need you in my life. Please give me Your strength for today and remind me in little ways that I can always believe in, have faith in and can trust you in everything. This includes being the authority for my life, the source of my self-worth and my hope for the future. You have my best interests in mind. So I ask you to help me to embrace the way you’ve made me; my gifting and passions. Help me to serve and fulfill the mission you have in mind for me. 

 

God Is There in My Darkest Valleys

In review of Psalm 23:4 it says “Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me” (NLT).

Today’s verse comes from Psalm 23:1-6 where David tells us how God is a caring shepherd and a dependable guide. As a result I can follow and obey his commands. For he is my only hope for eternal life and security. Therefore like David I can say, the Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in peaceful places. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for your rod and staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.

When I allow God, my shepherd, to guide me, I have contentment. However, when I choose sin, I go my own way and cannot blame God for my environment that I created for myself. My shepherd knows the peaceful places that will restore me. I will only reach them by following him obediently. Rebelling against the shepherd's leading is actually rebelling against my own best interests. I must remember this the next time I'm tempted to go my own way.

Death can cast a frightening shadow over me because I am entirely helpless in its presence. Only one person can walk with me through death's dark valley, and bring me safely to the other side, and this is my God, my shepherd. Because life is uncertain, I should follow this shepherd who offers me eternal comfort. God offers protection when my enemies surround me. As a believer and his follower I will spend eternity with him as a guest in his house forever.

There are lots of things that I can be worried about. God promises that even in my darkest valleys, he is walking beside me.

There are about 365 verses in the Bible that say, “Fear not.” God provided us with one “fear not” message for every day of the year! Perhaps God is saying, “Get the message. Don’t be afraid.” It’s interesting that almost every time God talks to someone in the Bible, the first thing he says is, “Don’t be afraid!”

Why? Because my hurts and hang-ups can often cause me to think that God is out to get me, that all he wants to do is condemn and punish me. But that simply isn’t true, and Jesus is the proof of that.

When I understand God’s grace and mercy, I have no need to fear the future. God isn’t trying to get even with me. Jesus has taken the penalty for everything I’ve ever done wrong or will do wrong. He paid for it on the cross. So when a bad thing happens, I don’t have to think that God’s getting even with me; instead, remember this: “Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me” (Psalm 23:4 NLT).

Bottom Line:

Even in the darkest times of life, God is close beside us, guarding, and guiding us all the way. Therefore we don't need to be afraid.

What this means to me:

Even when walking through the dark valley of death I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me, guarding, guiding all the way. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.

In summary, God is a caring shepherd and a dependable guide. I can follow and obey his commands for he is my only hope for eternal life and security. The Lord is my shepherd; in him I have all that I need. He lets me rest in peaceful places. He renews my strength, He guides me along right paths. So even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid for he is with me to comfort me. In him my cup overflows with blessings. Surely his goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life. So when bad things happen, I have no reason to think that God is getting even with me; instead know that he is with me.

Lord, thank you for the reminder that you are with me always. You only want the best for me and will guide and comfort me through bad times as well as the good times. I pray this morning for your wisdom and guidance in handling my work, leadership and interaction with others. Help me to accomplish items on my to do list and think of / implement the strategic things that are important to moving my team ahead to accomplish the goals of my organization. These things I pray in your Son Jesus name, amen!

God Longs To Comfort Me

In review of Psalm 63:3 it says, “Your loving kindness is better than life.”

Button Line:

Your love and kindness is better than life itself.

What this means to me:

Your love and your kindness are even better to me than life itself. I will praise you for it.

Today’s passage comes from Psalm 63. In it David speaks of his desire for God’s presence, provision, and protection. David proclaimed how he would earnestly search for God, and how his soul thirsted and his body longed for Him in a parched and weary land where there seemed to be no water. For God’s unfailing love is better than life itself. David said he would praise God as long as He lived, lifting up his hands in prayer. For God satisfied him more than the richest feast.

David wrote this as he was hiding from his enemies in the barren wilderness of Judah. While there David found himself very lonely. He longed for a friend he could trust to ease his loneliness. During his sleepless, uncomfortable nights, David thought about God. He reviewed all the ways God had already helped him. And he greeted the next day with songs of praise.

In my own life I too can experience times when I can’t sleep. What I’m learning is that sleepless nights can be turned into quiet times of reflection and worship. I can use them to review how God has guided and helped me thus far. I should make it a point to count examples of God’s faithfulness to me.

Today is the day for me to proclaim the Good News, because my God Reigns! He is the God of good and bad days alike. He hears me when my heart cries out. When I feel lost and alone, He is the God who sustains and blesses me even though I don’t deserve the rich blessing of the Kingdom. He is the all-knowing and all-powerful. Jesus is alive and sitting at the right hand of God the Father, just waiting to overflow my life with His loving kindness.

Today, the peace that surpasses all understanding can be mine. Whatever is concerning me, leave it at the Cross! Claim my blessing. Seize my victory. Move on to a bright tomorrow with nothing holding me back. My needs will be met, and whatsoever I ask should be done in Jesus’ name. I am blessed and highly favored. So no matter where I find myself, my desire should be for God, for only he can satisfy me fully.

My Faith Provides Blessings

In review of Matthew 9:20-22 it says, “Suddenly, a woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years came from behind and touched the hem of His garment.. Jesus turned around, and when He saw her He said, ‘be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well.’”

Bottom Line:

Your faith and belief is what will save me.

What this means to me:

I just need to have the kind of faith this woman did, believe and be saved.

In my times of need, I do not need to worry about the correct way to reach out to God. I can simply reach out in faith. He will respond.

Sometimes we are tempted to give up on people or situations that have not changed for many years. God can change what seems unchangeable, giving new purpose and hope.

Christ can make a difference when it seems too late for anyone else to help. He can bring healing to broken relationships, release from addicting habits, and forgiveness and healing to emotional scars. If the situation looks hopeless, I only need to remember that Christ can do the impossible.

If I find myself looking for assistance, simply ask in faith. God has give me all power in heaven and earth if I will only submit to spiritual authority and request His help.

Regardless of what happens, I can rejoice by choice! I’m in the ideal spot for God to touch me, making me whole again. I only need to reach out for the hem of Jesus’ garment and receive my divine healing in His mighty name.

Character Over Comfort

In review of Ephesians 4:22-24 it says, “Take on an entirely new way of life — a God-fashioned life, a life renewed from the inside and working itself into your conduct as God accurately reproduces his character in you”

Bottom Line:

Take on a new way of life, renewed and fashioned by God from the inside and working it’s way out and being revealed by my life

What this means to me:

I’m to get rid of any old way of life and take on a entirely way, one that God is being renewed and fashioned into his likeness, one that is revealed in a life that is upright and set aside for his purposes.

Today’s verse comes from the latter half of Ephesians chapter four, where Paul is explaining how to live as children of light. He tells us to no longer live as the Gentiles did, for they were hopelessly confused. Their minds had become full of darkness; and they wandered far from the life God gave, because they had closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him. They had no sense of shame and lived for lustful pleasures. But this isn’t what we learned about Christ. Since you have heard about Jesus and learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old off you old way of life, which had been corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Holy Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on you new nature, created to be like God, truly righteous and holy.

There are many religions and new age philosophies that promote the lie that we are divine and can become gods. Fortunately the Bible tells us that we will never become God or even a god. Thinking of yourself as god is a prideful like that is the enemies oldest temptations. We see this first show up in Genesis, where Satan promised Adam and Eve that if they followed his advice, they would be “as gods” (Genesis 3:5 KJV).

However in my own life, this desire to be a god shows up everytime I try to control my circumstances, my future, and / or the people around me. But as a creature, I will never be the Creator. What I’m learning is that God doesn’t want me to become a god; rather, he wants me to become godly, taking on his values, attitudes, and character. I am meant to “take on an entirely new way of life — a God-fashioned life, a life renewed from the inside and working itself into your conduct as God accurately reproduces his character in you” (Ephesians 4:22-24 MSG).

God’s ultimate goal for my life on Earth is not my comfort but rather my character development. God wants me to grow up spiritually and become like Christ. Becoming like Christ does not mean losing my personality or becoming a mindless clone.

God created my uniqueness, so he certainly doesn’t want to destroy it. Christlikeness is all about transforming your character, not my personality.

God wants me to develop the kind of character described in the Beatitudes of Jesus, the fruit of the Spirit, Paul’s great chapter on love, and Peter’s list of the characteristics of an effective and productive life (Matthew 5:1-12; Galatians 5:22-23; 1 Corinthians 13; 2 Peter 1:5-8).

Every time I forget that character is one of God’s purposes for my life, I will become frustrated by my circumstances. I’ll wonder, “Why is this happening to me? Why am I having such a difficult time?” One answer is that life is supposed to be difficult! It’s what enables me to grow. I need to remember, that Earth is not Heaven.

I should be careful to not misinterpret Jesus’ promise of the “abundant life” (John 10:10) to mean perfect health, a comfortable lifestyle, constant happiness, full realization of my dreams, and instant relief from problems through faith and prayer. I should not expect my life to be easy (Heaven on Earth). If I did, I’d be treating God as a genie who simply exists to serve me in my selfish pursuit of personal fulfillment.

This life is not about me!  I exist for God’s purposes, not vice versa. Besides, why would God provide heaven on Earth when he’s planned the real thing for you in eternity? God gives me my time on Earth to build and to strengthen my character for later in Heaven. In short, God Is more interested In building my character, rather than making me comfortable.

My Pain Will Often Reveal God’s Purpose For Me

In review of 2 Corinthians 1:4 and 6 it says, “[God] comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others . . . When we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation! For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer”

Bottom Line:

The comfort we receive from God in the midst of trouble, we should share when others who are in similar situations. These things often happen so that we can comfort and encourage others.

What this means to me:

God comforts and helps me in my troubles so that I can comfort others when they are troubled. The things I suffer and endure happen so that I can in turn comfort others and and encourage them to endure.

Today's passages come from the 2nd letter Paul sent to the church in Corinth.  In it, he explains how God offers comfort to all. He tells us, that first all praise should go to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. Secondly that He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can in turn comfort others. For when they are troubled we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. The more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. Even when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for the comfort and salvation of others. For when we are ourselves are comforted, we can certainly comfort other. Then they can patiently endure the same things we suffer.

I’m learning that the pain in my life often reveals part of God’s purpose for me. God never wastes a hurt! He wants me to help others going through similar hurts. God can use the problems in my life to give me a personal ministry to others. In fact, the very thing I’m most ashamed of in and resent the most, can become my greatest ministry in helping others.

After all, who can better help somebody going through a financial troubles than somebody who went through them as well? Who can better help somebody struggling with an addiction than somebody who’s struggled with an addiction? Who can better help parents of a special needs child than parents who raised a special needs child? Who can better help somebody who’s lost a child than somebody who lost a child?

The very thing I hate the most in my own life is what God wants to use for good. Today’s passages say, “[God] comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others . . . When we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation! For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer” (2 Corinthians 1:4a, 6 NLT).

One of the definitions of this is redemptive suffering. It is when I go through a problem or a pain for the benefit of others. This is exactly what Jesus did. When Jesus died on the cross, he didn’t deserve to die. He went through that pain for my benefit so that I can be saved and go to Heaven.

There are many different causes for the problems, pains, and suffering. Sometimes it's stuff that we bring on ourselves, such as making stupid decisions. For instance if I go out and overspend and buy things I can’t afford and presume on the future, and then go deeply in debt and lose a house, I can’t say, “God, why did you let me lose my house?” In short, I can’t blame God for my bad choices.

But in some of my problems, I’m innocent. I’ve been hurt by the pain, stupidity, and sins of others. And some of that pain is for redemptive suffering. God may allow me to go through a problem so that I can then help others.

Today I will think through and consider what are some of the problems I’ve had and how I can use these experiences to minister to others?