Devotional Fuel to Reboot Your Mind

Psalm 107:1-2, “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. Has the LORD redeemed you? Then speak out! Tell others he has redeemed you from your enemies.”

The plus side of becoming older is how I see the faithfulness of God in my life and my family’s life. There have been times of stress and suffering when I didn’t know what I would do, why this was occurring, treated unjustly, financial hardship, but God did provide His divine and sufficient leading throughout each of those complex trials. However it was not on my timeline. You can read about some of these in the Bible study book I wrote while desperately searching the Scriptures for God’s wisdom, comfort, and guidance. The year was 2014. That book, which you can find on Amazon, is “Taming the Lion’s Roar. Handling Fear in the Midst of a Trial.” From His Word, God showed me that He wants to bring glory to Himself out of every trial we go through. My prayer then became, “If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction (Psalm 119:92).” My prayer then became, “Teach me Your Word during this season of my life like I have never known it before and make this verse my testimony when I emerge from this place.” That still is a go to verse of mine.

Psalm 107 was written to celebrate the Jew’s return from their exile in Babylon. The author is unknown. It is a psalm of praise, as Psalm 1, 19, 24, and 103 are also Psalms of praise to God. God rescued these Jews. They had been wanderers, prisoners, distressed, sick, and caught in a storm at sea, and God’s people saw the LORD’s power in action. “LORD, help!” They cried in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He calmed the storm to a whisper and stilled the waves. What a blessing was that stillness as he brought them safely into harbor!” Psalm 107:28 – 30. Are you in a season of needing to be brought into safety or healing bad memories? Those who have not gone through hard trials will not understand and have empathy. They will not appreciate God as much as those who have gone through times of suffering, which produces maturity, endurance, patience, and satisfaction in the faithfulness of God. When you have delved deeply into God’s Word for answers, it is complete; it is a book of the sufficiency of answers to life’s dilemmas whereas man’s philosophies are incomplete.

The Psalm ends with the statement, “Those who are wise will take all this to heart; they will see in our history the faithful love of the LORD.” I don’t have all the answers. But I can rejoice that the LORD has redeemed me, as Psalm 107:1-2 states. I need to tell others more often as verse 2 admonishes, “Then speak out! Tell others he has redeemed you from your enemies.” The ESV says it this way, “Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, who he has redeemed from trouble.” Either way, God is faithful! I have seen the goodness of God in my life in being redeemed from those that appeared to me as my enemy and from trouble all by God’s mercy, love and grace. Do you need this right now? God is aware as Psalm 23:5 declares, “You prepare a feast before me in the presence of my enemies.” Remember that.

No matter what the calamity is in our life, God will speak to you of your needed comfort, healing, instruction, and give light to your path as you pray and seek the Lord’s answers of provision through the Scriptures. As John 14:6 declares, “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” ESV. Jesus is the life-giver of souls. Therefore, “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. Has the LORD redeemed you? Then speak out! Tell others he has redeemed you from your enemies!” Ps. 107:1-2.

Listen to Aware Worship – Trust in God (Featuring Mark Gutierrez).

Psalm 103:2, “Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me.” NLT

With age comes wisdom, wouldn’t you agree? It is reported that Charles Spurgeon thought David wrote Psalm 103 when he was older because David “had a higher sense of the preciousness of pardon, because a keener sense of sin, than in his younger days. His clear sense of the frailty of life indicates his weaker years, as also does the very fulness of his praiseful gratitude.”[1]

When fears and doubts steal our joy, we need to remember the past, present, and future blessings our LORD has done and will do for us sufficiently. David’s solution was to praise God, as he states in Psalm 103:1, “Let all that I am praise the LORD; with my whole heart, I will praise His holy name.” David looked into his soul and heart, realizing he needed to praise God more. The ESV version states Psalm 103:2 this way, “Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits. All that is in within me, bless His holy name.”

Psalm 103 is a good reminder to praise the LORD, when we fall into discouragement. David lists what good things God has done for him and the benefits from God’s great mercy and love given to David and for us:

• Forgives all our sins. Verse 3.
• Redeems us from death and crowns us with love and tender mercies. Verse 4.
• Fills our life with good things. Verse 5.
• Gives us righteousness and justice to all treated unjustly. Verse 6.
• Compassionate and merciful. Verse 8.
• Slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. Verse 8.
• Does not punish us for all our sins; does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve. Verse 10.
• Unfailing love to those that fear Him. Verse 11.
• Removes our sins as far as the east is from the west. Verse 12.
• Tender and compassionate. Verse 13.
• Knows how weak we are and all of our weaknesses. Verse 14.
• His love remains for us forever and His gift of salvation is for all who believe. Verse 17.

I encourage you to write down your needs and burdens that are heavy on your heart as you commit them to the LORD as Psalm 55:22 states, “Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.” Then Isaiah 41:13b God promises, “Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you.” Lastly, and I know this, you know this, but how often don’t we need to be reminded of Philippians 4:6-7, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”

For me, I am especially thankful that God knows how weak I am and all my weaknesses. That has been especially comforting to me this past week as I have been in turmoil over many of them. That word “all” means the whole quantity. Therefore, I say with David, “Let all that I am praise the LORD; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name.” Psalm 103:1. May I never forget all the good things He has done for me. I love how God’s Word intertwines itself as it leads me back again to Psalm 23:1 which states, “The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need.” Yes, there is that word all again – the whole quantity! Praise the Lord.

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[1] David Guzik, Blue Letter Bible Commentary, Psalm 103.

Listen to Michael W. Smith – In Christ Alone (Live).

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Psalm 97:11-12, “Light shines on the godly, and joy on those whose hearts are right. May all who are godly rejoice in the LORD and praise his holy name.” NLT

We have another new year, 2025, which will bring new beginnings. In January of 2023, I chose the word perseverance as my goal. I am sure I had many tests on persevering patiently and not giving up, but I do not remember what they might have been now. But looking back, I did have Romans 12:12 written down in my journal, associated with this word, “perseverance,” which states, “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” Being constant in prayer keeps us in continual and ongoing communication with the LORD. I find that to be more and more important and needed as time goes on, I humbly admit.

Then, for 2024, I chose the word “trust.” Abraham, Moses, and Job were examples of how they each trusted in God even in the most impossible and troubling situations. I am reminded of Nahum 1:7: “The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him.” The word refuge is also found in Psalm 46:1, “God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.” I also had written down, in my journal in 2024, “When life doesn’t make sense in this coming new year of 2024, I will choose to trust in what Psalm 84:11 declares, “For the LORD God is a sun and shield, the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly.”

We had to put our faith in this into practice in three to four different instances over 2024 of trusting in God and having perseverance. It was mainly health issues for both my husband and me. The following verse 12 of Psalm 84, declares, “O LORD of hosts, blessed is the one who trusts in you!” I think trusting in God is a lifelong journey and process and we did receive many blessings throughout 2024. Then our fourth circumstance of trusting in God, was our six-year-old granddaughter, who was thought to have a cancerous tumor in her left arm near her shoulder right before Thanksgiving. All scans and X-rays gave the appearance of it being cancer. However, after the biopsy was performed the following week, the result showed it was benign! Surgery has been scheduled, and we praise God for so many people praying for her. That, again, was a time of trusting and praying for our dear granddaughter. We praise God for His faithfulness as we have put our trust in Him throughout the times of testing in 2024 as I know more will be forthcoming. I have my trust and faith placed in God our caring shepherd as Psalm 23 has become a psalm that I read and recite every day.

So, what is ahead for us, for me, in 2025? I think the sufficiency of Scripture is vital to emphasize for this new year and beyond that. God’s Word has the answers to equip me (us) for how I (we) live so that I (we) may be “complete, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:17b. We all have dark and difficult days. David had many of them. But as we persevere, trust, and rely on God’s Word to give us instruction, guidance, comfort, and hope, that is where the answers are contained. He is our refuge. God protects His people and delivers them as it promises us throughout the Psalms, and as Isaiah 41:10 declares, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

The ESV says Psalm 97:11-12 this way, “Light is sown for the righteous, and joy for the upright in heart. Rejoice in the LORD, O you righteous, and give thanks to his holy name!” Yes! Give praise and thanks to our holy God for His holy light shining on you and the joy that that brings! For whatever comes about in 2025, may we seek God’s Word for His sufficient answers calming our doubts and fears, for our new beginnings for this new year one day at a time.

Listen to Hallelujah Anyway (Official Music Video) – Charly Perry.

Psalm 139: 1-4, “O LORD, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I am far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it LORD.” NLT

It is comforting to me to know that the LORD knows everything about me. He can see into my heart and examine the sin, the wrong and right motives of all of my intentions. Nothing is hidden from Him, even when I [we] am unaware of His presence. Hebrews 4:13 says, “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we all are accountable.” Yet He loves us unconditionally as Romans 8:38-39 tells us, “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” ESV.

When you have uncertainties and doubts, as David did in the Old Testament, rest on Psalm 94:19: “When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.” NLT. When God protected David from Saul and his enemies, David declared, “But God is my helper (Elohim Ozer Li). The Lord keeps me alive! May the evil plans of my enemies be turned against them. Do as you promised and put an end to them.” Psalm 54:4-5 NLT. God never goes on vacation from our lives. I love reading David’s honesty in expressing his needs and desires to God. David is an example of having complete confidence in God’s promises and protection no matter the obstacles.

So, remember, when you are driving to that doctor’s appointment, you may be uneasy about, God is right there with you and knows what you are thinking. When you are enroute on a trip or a vacation, God is with you and knows your thoughts. When you sleep at night, God already has His plan for your day when you wake up so you can get the rest you need as Psalm 139:18b says, “And when I wake up you are still with me!” Nothing is hidden from our great Shepherd, Savior, Redeemer, and Helper because He is Jehovah Shammah – the LORD is there (Ezekiel 48:35).

God knows your heart. He knows your anxious thoughts (Psalm 139:23). No matter what your age is, be it a child, teenager, fall into what is considered the more educated, well-behaved, stressed, and depressed Generation Z or fall into the age group called Baby Boomers, it doesn’t matter. God sees you. God knows your heart. God knows your thoughts and what you will say even before you say it. Yes, the daily news is filled with scary reports and fears of the future in some respects. Expectations being unfulfilled can cause discouragement. But remember, God is omnipresent – He is everywhere, no matter where we are or what we do. So, when you get up each morning, ask God what He wants you to think about and do. What impressions does He want you to be aware of? Ask God to help make you of benefit to others you interact with throughout your day. Finally, pray Psalm 139:23-24, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.”

Listen to Leanna Crawford, Ben Fuller, David Leonard, Mix – The Battle is the Lord (1 month ago). Still Waters (Psalm 23).

Psalm 1:2-3, “But they delight in the law of the LORD, meditating on it day and night. They are like the trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.”

God’s Word gives us the wisdom and instruction to successfully endure the hard seasons we go through during our lifetime by following God and relying on His promises. But it is necessary to take the time to think and meditate on what He is saying to us in whatever verses and chapters we are reading. That is how we realize we are in God’s presence and can see His goodness through the complex and good times.

Our days are filled with so many various responsibilities that drain us of our energy and cause our bodies stress. We get pulled in many different directions. That is why it is essential to start meditating on God’s Word daily, which will fill our hearts and minds with what God wants to teach us and instruct us in applying His Word for what will transpire. Spurgeon had said, “Mediation chews the cud, and gets the sweetness and nutritive virtue of the Word into the heart and life: this is the way the godly bring forth much fruit.” We must take the time to digest it; much like a peach tree or myer lemon tree soaks up water and bears rich and juicy tasting fruit, we must soak up God’s Word, which will produce actions and attitudes that glorify Him from living by the Holy Spirit’s power. As Galatians 5:22-23 states, “ But the Holy Spirit produces the kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!”

Jesus spoke of bearing fruit in John 15:5, when He said, “Yes, I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” All fruit-bearing trees, such as peaches and Meyer lemon trees, have a season when the fruit is just right for picking. Meyer lemon trees usually can bear fruit in one to two years but need to be fed with fertilizer during the growing season. The skin changes from green to dark yellow when ready to be picked—peach season in California runs from May to September. However, if the leaves turn brown and wither in any fruit tree, that is a sign that the tree is in distress and not having enough water. “The righteous man does not have these signs of death and dryness; his “leaves” are green and alive.” David Guzik, Blue Letter Bible Commentary. The more we delight in “the law of the LORD” the more fruitful we will become.

So the next time you are having a bad day, feel frustrated, and maybe insecure, read out loud to yourself Psalm 1:2-3. “We must also remember that fruit isn’t the same as “results,” because fruit has in it the seed for more fruit. Fruit comes from life, the life of God flowing in and through us.” Be Worshipful. Warren W. Wiersbe. Psalms 1-89, page 22.

It took seasons of time for the fruit to be ready to pick such as that juicy peach and/or Meyer lemon. Those that trust in the LORD will flourish as it says in Jeremiah 17:7-8: “Blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit.” God will be your strength in times of crisis. Ask Him to help you bear fruit. You will then be like a strong tree and your leaf will not wither due to your soul being deepened into the rich soil of God’s Word, much like a juicy peach and/or luscious Myer lemon.

Listen to Michael W. Smith – King of Glory ft. CeCe Winans.

Psalm 96:2-3, “Sing to the LORD; praise his name. Each day proclaim the good news that he saves. Publish his glorious deeds among the nations. Tell everyone about the amazing things he does.”

I remember growing up, we had an annual Thanksgiving get-together on my mother’s side at my aunt and uncle’s house, Alice and Pete. After the noon meal, each child was required to state what they were thankful for during the past year. So, my brother and I, while riding in the car to this family event, would always nervously ask each other what we would say that we were thankful for. I needed not to say the same thing that my brother, Jim, was grateful for and vice versa. Reading the Psalms helps us verbalize what we are thankful for and gives us words of comfort. Psalm 96 is one of the psalms that brings us into the presence of God in weathering the storms of life. This psalm resembles David’s song of praise found in 1 Chronicles 16:21-27. Praise to God lifts us above our troubles and focuses on the power and majesty of our great God’s power, mercy, and love that we are thankful for.

In Psalm 96, the author talks about how we can praise God. We can do so by singing about God and telling others about His goodness and faithfulness. Then living out integrity by putting Christ-like character and reliability in our testimony before others. It requires living a holy life with humility. I like how the author of Psalm 71:15 states, “I will tell everyone about your righteousness. All day long I will proclaim your saving power, though I am not skilled with words.”  “Not skilled with words” is how I often feel in my inadequacies in what I should say in opening up conversations about the Lord’s saving power, yet when I have had any answer to a prayer on my heart, that is what I need to share with others. That takes away the pressure of finding the right words.

Praising God should be done around the Thanksgiving holiday, but also daily in our gratitude and a continual and daily appreciation for God’s presence and power. Psalm 42:5 is a good reminder of our great hope, “Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise him for the help of his presence.”

The more difficult the problems we experience and see in our world, the more we, as believers, are thankful in looking forward to Christ’s return. So, you feel you are not skilled with words? Same with me, but we can verbally praise the LORD for the blessings He has given us, unexpected provisions, and the good news of the gospel available to all who believe, confess their sins, and call upon His name to save them. Pray Psalm 40:5 when you feel you are not skilled in words in your prayer to the LORD: “O LORD my God, you have performed many wonders for us. Your plans are too numerous to list. You have no equal.” Remember His glorious deeds enthusiastically and be ready for His soon return, which will take place when we least expect it (Luke 12:40).

Listen to Shore Lane – I Wait and I’ll Wait (Psalm 13) (Official Lyric Video).

Psalm 23:6, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” ESV

“Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever.” NLT.

Think about how you treat a special guest that comes to your home. You prepare for it by tidying up your home, maybe buying something new in décor or kitchen items. You want everything to be just right so your guest feels welcome, enjoy the conversation and food, and feel you are sincerely interested in their well-being. Now transport this to the LORD, preparing our eternal home with Him. He will welcome each Christian as His special guest forever. According to Psalm 23 and Romans 8:28, everything for your good is being directed by God shall follow you, the ESV says, absolutely, [surely] “all the days of my life.” The NLT says, without a doubt, God’s goodness and unfailing love will “pursue” you, all the days of your life.

Our final day on this earth is known only by God. Psalm 96:2-3 NLT declares: “Sing to the LORD; praise his name. Each day proclaim the good news that he saves. Publish his glorious deeds among the nations. Tell everyone about the amazing things he does.” Note that is present tense, not past tense, the word “does.” Think about the good things God has done for you recently. Write them down. I just looked at my prayer notebook. There was a date of April 3, 2024, I had written down two entries. It was the day before my husband Steve had his heart surgery and that was an important prayer request, and another item I had written that had to do with a serious conflict-relationship I had with someone. It has been now seven months since Steve’s heart surgery, which takes that long for the heart to heal. It was successful based on the recent tests done by the cardiologist surgeon, which he saw in his final test results for Steve, this past month. That burden of the relationship conflict situation has just been improved and has turned out in God’s direction for my good as Romans 8:28 promises. Then, I have a date of May 11, 2024, regarding a physical condition that has caused intense pain, with lack of mobility. I am just now seeing relief and healing during these past two weeks, going in a better direction (still in process) due to steady endurance with the right physical therapy and confirmed by my doctor of pain management, and prayers going up for me during this time. I praise the LORD and see His goodness, mercy, and unfailing love pursuing me during these challenging days in every prayer request, such as these and others I had recorded. I sometimes had little hope, yet I trusted in God’s power to answer each one, and He has and is still pursuing [my] our goodness all the days of our life. He is not done with us yet. Friend, He is not done with you yet either.

I encourage you to keep a journal of prayer requests and answers to prayers. I have gone a step further and have some of them written on 3X5 inch cards, when an answer is provided by the LORD, in a gift box on our mantel. I occasionally read each one of them to remind myself of God’s power in being my good Shepherd and Overseer of my soul (1 Peter 2:25) to protect me and guide me in this life. It will increase your faith in God’s goodness and love for you as it has done for me.

Revelation 7:17 states, “For the Lamb on the throne will be their Shepherd. He will lead them to springs of life-giving water. And God will wipe every tear from their eyes.” NLT. You have a brighter future in store just for you of complete protection, relief, peace and joy. Tribulations and sorrows will be over. There will be no sin, and all suffering will be over finally with God in heaven. God, our great Shepherd promises to guide and protect you when going through dark valleys. Hold on. He will guide you along the right path for His glory.

Listen to Leanna Crawford, Ben Fuller, David Leonard – Still Waters (Psalm 23) [Accoustic] (Official Audio Video).

Psalm 23:5, “You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings.” NLT

When insulted or treated unjustly, how do you react? It is tempting, and I have done this, to share with a trusted friend and say, “Can you believe what they said to me? Or “Can you believe what they did to me?” Those situations stir up anger, resentment, insecurity, frustration, and feelings of defensiveness. Seeking affirmation is what you are asking for, right? Yet Romans 12:19 declares, “Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the LORD.” NLT. We are always to seek God’s glory in any adversity we are going through. But I must admit, that is not always my first inclination, and for me to remember how much God has forgiven me which is the transforming truth of the Gospel.

“God will not extract you from a broken world. Rather, He sets a table for two in the presence of your enemies. You have been invited to dine with the King in the middle of the battlefield.” “Don’t Give The Enemy A Seat At Your Table. It’s Time To Win the Battle Of Your Mind . . . “ By Louie Giglio. A text message back and Psalm 23:5 changed his whole life. Louie texted an Elder about receiving finally justice against someone who had been against him and received this response, “Don’t give the enemy a seat at your table.” That text message set him on studying this verse at a deeper level and changed his outlook and was why he wrote this book and has You Tube sermons on this very subject. So, when seeking revenge, remember your great Shepherd is there, has foresight and care, and has the power to protect you. The enemy wants you to give into sins of doubt, fear, distrust, and anger. Instead, think about the invitation to a table with the King right on the battlefield. Picture a great feast with all your favorite foods; your enemy is not invited to this table with you and God, but they are watching and are present.

Jesus entrusted God to do justice when He was falsely accused. During these times, I must ask myself if God has a right to be angry with me. Does God treat me as my sin deserves? No, He has forgiven me and shows me grace and mercy in my time of need.

“You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over.” Psalm 23:5 ESV. “Beloved, I will ask you now a question. How would it be with you if God had filled your cup in proportion to your faith? How much would you have had in your cup?” Charles Spurgeon.

Here are some tactics that are lies that we must fight against from the tempter:

• Things would be better if I were in a different situation.
• I am not going to make it.
• I am not good enough.
• Everyone is against me.

1 Peter 5:8-9a warns us, “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith.” Thank God for His presence in your life. Look beyond what the person has done against you. Give it to God.

 Remember these verses:

• Proverbs 12:15, “The vexation of a fool is known at once, but the prudent ignores an insult.”
• Romans 8:28, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
• Genesis 50:20, “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.”
• James 1:20, “For the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”
• 2 Corinthians 10:3-4, “For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.”

So, the next time you have an “Can you believe it?” instance, fight back with keeping every thought captive to Christ and the transforming Gospel. Reboot your mind with the above verses and have them take root in your mind and heart and grow to produce love, joy, peace, patience, and kindness (Galatians 5:22-23). God will lead you through green pastures, besides still waters, restoring your soul, guiding you through the shadow of death, comforting you, protecting you even when enemies come your way. By faith, let Him handle it. Sit back and watch for the results which will glorify God, working out for your good, from our great Shepherd.

Listen to Phill Wickham – The Jesus Way – Lyric Video

Psalm 23:4, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and staff, they comfort me.”

We all walk through several valleys throughout our lifetime. If you could attach a name to the valley you are in right now, what would you name it? Would it be the Hope Deferred Valley? Proverbs 13:12 says, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life.” Keep on keeping on giving your needs and desires to God. You are in His presence. He hears and loves you. Faith, endurance, and perseverance are on this path.

Or are you in the Valley of Weeping? Some say Psalm 84 is called the Valley of Baca, a Hebrew word meaning weep, wail, grieve, and mourn with tears. “When we walk through the Valley of Weeping, it will become a place of refreshing springs. the autumn rains will clothe it with blessings.” Psalm 84:6 NLT. As we travel through the Valley of Weeping (Baca) there are hard and treacherous times that bring tears to our eyes from our emotions out of the pain and suffering. Yet those are the times when we long deeply for God, our Great Shepherd, to give us strength, comfort, mercy, grace, and extend blessings to us. Psalm 84:11 declares, “For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly.” Helplessness and greater empathy are found on this path, along with humility. Here is when we have an opportunity to experience even more deeply God’s faithfulness.

David found himself in the “valley of the shadow of death.” This is the central verse of Psalm 23. David is speaking to God -to the shepherd, not about the shepherd, in verse four. Before, he wrote about green pastures and still waters. Yet we, as David did, may walk through this valley, which is not on a mountaintop but being hedged in this fearful, dark, uneasy, not clearly lit valley he called the shadow of death. Yet this was not David’s final destination, and it is not ours. We have the reassurance that, “He will not let you stumble; the one who watches over you will not slumber.” Psalm 121:3.

Dear friend, even though you may be going through the valley of hope deferred, or the valley of weeping, or the valley of the shadow of death, there is hope because our good shepherd, our God, walks through this valley with us. We have the promise of Psalm 91:1-2, “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the almighty. I will say to the LORD: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him.” This path is the path of God strengthening you, protecting you, loving you, and molding you into His purpose and glory of God. We need to abide in Him and not in our problematic valley. So, we can sing loudly, even though this is hard right now, “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.” NLT.

Listen to Rebecca St. James – “Dawn” featuring Luke Smallbone [Official Studio Session].