|
Psalm 18: 28For You cause my lamp to be lighted and to shine; the Lord my God illumines my darkness.
There is no one who hasn't gone through times of darkness---no matter how spiritual they are. And, for those of us who are sick, in constant pain, disabled, or who are in prison, those times of darkness are probably be more frequent than for those who are not in these situations.
It doesn’t matter how young or old you are, or whether you’re rich or poor; it doesn’t matter whether you are surrounded by people or all alone—when dark times come you will FEEL ALONE.
There are times when you can't see or understand where God is taking you. That's okay. It doesn't mean that you have done something wrong or that God has left you. Be confident in the fact that the "darkness" is temporary and that God will soon shine the light on your situation. He will show you His will and the way to achieve it.
Maybe you are in such pain that you can't even think straight. Or maybe you just got a bad diagnosis--or no diagnosis at all, which can sometimes be worse. Maybe you are in prison and you are trying to get your life together but you are being constantly "hit" by the enemy and you're beginning to feel like you'll never make it through. And now, you feel like darkness is closing in around you. You can't see what the next step is and you feel alone, isolated. You don't even feel God's presence.
Psalm 23:4 “Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me, Thy Rod and thy Staff they comfort me”
You are walking through a valley---maybe even the valley of the shadow of death, but there is NOTHING that can separate you from God's love. Even though you may feel the emotions of fear, you can battle them with the Word of God, because God is with You.
The enemy may try to give you the spirit of fear, but GOD will give you love, power, and a sound mind. Like a shepherd cares for his sheep, the Good Shepherd cares for you.
Right now, I’m speaking to you from one of those “dark places”. The last few days have been a time of increased sickness and pain. That’s why I feel it’s important to share this with you FROM THE VALLEY, because I know that this will pass and that even now, God is with me—AND WITH YOU—NO MATTER WHAT YOUR SITUATION IS.
You may have doubts that He really is concerned with you as an individual. After all, there are millions of others for Him to be watching---but remember, with all He does, His eye is still on the sparrow, and His eye is on YOU.
He's not watching you so that the moment you make a mistake, He can smack you up the side of the head and take away everything you love. That's what some human fathers might do (hopefully, not many). GOD IS WATCHING YOU TO PROTECT, COMFORT, AND BLESS YOU.
If you are walking through a dark place--know this: God is still there. He loves you, and as you follow Him, you will see the light and step out of the tunnel.
God specializes in bringing Light to dark places. Remember, the first act we have recorded is God saying: "Let there be light". And there was.
Psalm 112:4 Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man.
WHEN THE JOURNEY GETS ROUGH
When the journey gets rough, Take my hand and let Me lead you. Put your foot inside my footprint And you’ll never go off course.
When the darkness grows thick And you cannot see around you Look ahead and I will be there Clear and visible to you.
And, then I’ll be Your Light., Pierce the darkness with My Word And expose the pits and traps That were put along your way.
When the path falls away, Just lean forward and I’ll catch you. I will carry you though places Where your feet could never tread.
I’ll hold you to my heart And spread my wings around us So nothing can attack you Or keep you from My Path.
Then I’ll bring back the Light So you can see what I see And gently put you down So your feet may touch the ground.
And you may walk beside me For the last steps of your journey And follow me to Glory--- To the place I have prepared.
|
|
|
