Promise for Today - After the Valley

Yea, 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 NKJV

Christian or cretin - the Twenty-third Psalm is one of the most well-known passages of Scripture in the world today. Children and adults alike can recite it for you. It's similar to a Christmas carol in that respect. We all know the words, but when was the last time we actually paid attention to what the words really say?

I've always been partial to God preparing a table before me in the presence of my enemies... (take that, devil!), but next to verse 1 "The Lord is my Shepherd..." - I think our Promise for Today is the next most well-known phrasing. Two important things to note here - it's the shadow of death not Death Valley, and we're walking THROUGH. We're not staying. We're not setting up camp or a souvenir stand. We may have "been there done that" but we don't need to sell tickets for the side show or sell postcards of it. We're walking through. Keep moving...

Yessiree, keep moving because it's AFTER the valley that we find the goodness and mercy following us all the days of our lives. Praise His Holy Name!

Prayer;

Father,
          I never cease to be amazed at Your goodness and mercy toward us. Thank You for comforting us as we walk through the valley. Thank You for bringing us through to the other side. Giving You all praise - In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Stop, Look and Listen

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.
Psalm 23:6 NKJV

We don't always see goodness and mercy on the path we're on. At least, not immediately... However, have you taken the time to look back after you've gotten through a particularly tough time? As is often the case, if we will take the time to specifically look for the evidence of God's fingerprints on our lives, we will see them all over everything that concerns us. 

As we go about doing our Father's business, He is working ALL things for our good. Even if the path you're on right now is dark and dreary - stop, look and listen for His goodness and mercy. They are following you, pursuing you, and they will find you. Be intentional about putting Him first and staying in His presence. 

Prayer:

Father,
             We pray as Saint Benedict prayed, "O gracious and holy Father, Give us wisdom to perceive You, intelligence to understand You, diligence to seek You, patience to wait for You, eyes to see You, a heart to meditate on You, and a life to proclaim You, through the power of the spirit of Jesus Christ our Lord. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen