SALT & SONSHINE – March 1st, 2017
We hear people saying “I’m just going through this valley. I just don’t know what I’m going to do.”
You’re not alone. We all go through valleys and we all have disappointments to deal with. I missed last week’s paper because my computer died. I’m trying to get by with an old one that’s trying to do its best but is extremely slow and it doesn’t get along with my printer. Oh well, let’s get back to the subject of valleys.
In the 23rd Psalm we find these words of encouragement: Ps 23:3 He restoreth my soul: If you will read the rest of the chapter you will find the writer keeping his mind on God. He sees Him as his shepherd. The good Shepherd watches over His sheep. In that valley he finds green pastures. Even if death is near, or appears near, it is only a shadow. Shadows can intimidate or cause fear but they cannot harm them unless you let their image strike fear and dread in you. The secret is knowing that the good Shepherd is with him.
Today is no different.
We all go through valleys but the important thing is that we “go through” them. We don’t camp out there. In the valley we are refreshed and our soul restored. Take a drink of that still living water and be refreshed. Enjoy the abiding presence of the Lord before you arise to climb that next mountain. Adversities certainly come but don’t let them dictate your life. Circumstances may temporarily block the way but don’t let them prevail.
If you are a child of God; pick up your Bible and read on. Jesus said He would never leave you nor forsake you. He said He would go before you and prepare your way. The secret here is to follow as He leads. If you decide your own way then you are limited by your knowledge, wisdom and ability. That may seem to work for a while but even then you need Jesus. The day will come that without Him you will completely fail. Don’t wait for that to happen.
As you draw close to God He will draw close to you. You make the choices and you will reap the consequences. God loves you. Jesus is knocking at the door of your heart. The handle is on the inside. Open the door and you will never be the same.
Maranatha!
