Verse of the Day 4/21

Verse of  the  Day 4/21

 

Psalm 23:4

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,^[a]
    I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
    your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me. English Standard Version (ESV)

 

One of the memorable sights in our tour of  the Holy Land was driving alongside the Valley of the  Shadow of  Death.  It was a winding  gorge passing  through the desert.  It was perhaps the only way from point to point b when  going through the  desert.  There was a brook that ran through it so it would have been  a source of water, but there could be danger  around  any turn with thieves waiting  around  any turn and no easy way of escape.  The walls were steep and there was the danger of rocks from above or flash floods it rain should  come.

 

 

David, in writing  the  psalm acknowledged  that  the Lord's  presence gave him courage to make the  journey.  That presence gave him courage, comfort and hope.  He had been down  this path before, he had faced giants, been pursued by King Saul, challenged by the Philistines.  God had  seen him through all these  things and he had confidence  that  he  would  see him  through the  current  trip  in the valley.

 

I'm  reminded  of  the following  stanza from  Amazing Grace that draws upon  those same feelings, that same confidence in God.

 

Through many dangers, toils and snares
We have already come.
T'was grace that brought us safe thus far
And grace will lead us home,
And grace will lead us home

 

Read the psalm below and take heart, be confident in it.  May you realize God's pursuing you in  love.

 

 Your beauty and love chase after me
    every day of my life.
I'm back home in the house of God
    for the rest of my life.  (V.6 The  Message)

 

 

 

Blessings,

 

Mike

 

Psalm 23The Message (MSG)

A David Psalm

23 ^1-3 God, my shepherd!
    I don't need a thing.
You have bedded me down in lush meadows,
    you find me quiet pools to drink from.
True to your word,
    you let me catch my breath
    and send me in the right direction.

⁴ Even when the way goes through
    Death Valley,
I'm not afraid
    when you walk at my side.
Your trusty shepherd's crook
    makes me feel secure.

⁵ You serve me a six-course dinner
    right in front of my enemies.
You revive my drooping head;
    my cup brims with blessing.

⁶ Your beauty and love chase after me
    every day of my life.
I'm back home in the house of God
    for the rest of my life.

 

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