DEVO 04.19.23

DEVO. 04.19.23

"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." (Psalms 23:4 NLT)

- "Even though I walk through the darkest valley” - God does not guarantee us a life free of problems and only mountain top experiences. - It would be nice if that was true, but the truth is you will go through valleys. - You will face dark times and confusing times. - You will face times where you can choose to live in fear or faith. - This is the time to live in FAITH! - No matter what you face or what you are going through - turn to God not away from Him. - As you turn to Him, you will realize that He is right there. - He is CLOSE beside you. - You never have to face any problem alone. - You never have to feel like you are abandoned. - If you run away from God you are left with only your own answers and solutions which results in fear. - If you run to God, You find a God of comfort and Peace and a God who can guide you through the darkest places. - II Timothy 1:7 says, “For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” - "Sound Mind" - a mind that is not confused or shaken. - A mind that is Not Fear-Filled. - A mind that is stable and secure. - Look at what Psalm 91 says, "HE who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand]. - You remain stable because you are secure in your God and Savior! - You have complete confidence and trust in Him. - God has the answers that you are looking for. - He alone has the Peace that you desire. - "The Rod" was the main weapon of defense for the shepherd and his sheep. - The Rod was an extension of the owner's own right arm. - The Rod stood as a symbol of his strength, his power, his authority. - This means that if you turn to God and choose Him as your Shepherd - you will have His full strength, power and authority in any and every situation. - You have His unlimited supply of strength and power. - Turn to Him, today, for your answers. - People may seem like they have interesting solutions and crafty answers to your problems but only The Lord can offer Real Peace, Comfort, strength, power and authority. - He can give you the answers you need and make you a wise person with the answers that others are looking for. - You can become a source of Hope. - Turn to Him today! - Have a great Wednesday!