Firmly Established
Thursday, October 10
Firmly Established
Even when I walk through the darkest valley…you are close beside me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. Psalm 23:4-5
When we come through that valley of the shadow of death, when we emerge out of the deep end, then what? We have an awareness of God‘s abiding presence that forever changes the way we see impossible situations. This awareness reminds us that God is with us.
Knowing that He is with us even in the deep end diminishes the pressure and anxiety around our taking risks. Put simply, we have a deeper, stronger faith. Our roots are firmly established in the revelation of a Father who never leaves us.
Author John Ortberg writes “God is never a God of discouragement. When you have a discouraging spirit or train of thought in your mind, you can be sure it is not from God.”
This statement resonates with me and reminds me of the relationship I share with a loving God. There is an intimacy with God we can only experience in moments of weakness. There are things about Him we can only get to know in those times.
Note the words of David taken from today’s verse. David didn‘t say, “When I am going through the tough moments in life, I cannot find You” neither did David say “You get rid of all of my enemies.” He said, “Right here, with death hanging over me, walking through a dark place and with enemies surrounding me, You are with me. You‘re communing with me, feeding me, and creating intimacy with me in this place of weakness and dependence.” This is faith. This is trust. This is an anchor that keeps the soul.