For some time, my daughter has been encouraging me to write a book that includes my blogs. I haven\u2019t had the drive to write it yet because each day I realize that I am not the author of my faith story. I\u2019m still here, pressing onward and upward, so I\u2019ll just keep journaling via my blogs until I get a \u201cJust do it!\u201d from God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Among my favorite scriptures, my \u201cgo to\u201d for comfort and direction is Psalm 23. If you follow my blogs, you’ve recognized it. My story has had many twists and turns. I have walked through the valley of the shadow of death with loved ones many times. I\u2019ve learned to not fear but hold onto God\u2019s unchanging hand. I have been incredibly blessed and humbled as God has proven Himself faithful beyond my ability to comprehend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Maybe you\u2019re in a dark middle of an unchosen journey. One that leaves you tempted to pull away from the Lord wondering, \u201cHow could a good God lead me to such a difficult place?\u201d Oh, friend. I understand \u2013 from my own experiences and those of our fathers of faith.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
David, the shepherd destined to be king, penned the words of Psalm 23 \u201cThe Lord is my Shepherd\u201d. But, before, in Psalm 22:1, David revealed he was well-acquainted with despair and discouragement. \u201cMy God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But, hold on! David didn\u2019t quit. He didn\u2019t throw in the towel, because Psalm 23 reveals David still knew where his hope was found. This shepherd boy needed a greater Shepherd. We do too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So how do we keep choosing to follow our Shepherd when He leads us into valleys we\u2019d rather avoid? We can begin by remembering these two truths about the Lord:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1) He will never lead us where we shouldn\u2019t go.
Psalm 23:1,2: \u201cThe LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He LEADS ME beside still waters. He restores my soul.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Our Shepherd wants to get us to the still waters. He wants us to lie down and rest where it’s safe. But we must trust that His timing is perfect, and His provision is good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2) He will always lead us intentionally.
Psalm 23:3 says, “He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name\u2019s sake.\u201d The Lord\u2019s reputation is at stake in His leading. That means we can trust He will always lead us in perfect ways \u2014 for our goodness and for the sake of His name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What paths did we create for our lives as we regularly walked with God? I suggest that we have forged some deep, positive places that others are following. We should remind ourselves of those paths, of those precious and regular rhythms of our relationship with God. Those paths of righteousness are good because they always circle back to God. As we walk those paths daily, we will be led back to Him, again and again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Maybe you\u2019re in a low valley right now. I know what that looks and feels like. I also know God always provides a way out. May we stay close to Him and close to the people who love Him like we do. He will make a miraculous way. One we couldn\u2019t have imagined, but one that is perfectly timed and planned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While writing this blog, I was singing this beautiful song, “Gentle Shepherd” written by Bill & Gloria Gaither. It’s the “icing on this ‘blog’ cake” and my prayer for us today!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gentle Shepherd, come and lead us,
For we need you to help us find our way.
Gentle Shepherd come and feed us,
For we need your strength from day to day.
There’s no other we can turn to,
Who can help us face another day.
Gentle Shepherd come and lead us,
For we need to you to help us find our way.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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