OF THE SHADOW OF DEATH

Today’s Text: We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed. (2Corinthians 4:8, 9)

Today’s Thoughts: Today we’re focusing on the second part of Psalm 23:4. Yesterday we spoke about the average valleys of life; today we’re going to speak about the more serious ones. For some of us we cannot always say the words found in today’s text – when we’re troubled on every side, we get distressed; when we are perplexed, we sink into despair; when we are persecuted, we feel forsaken; when we are cast down, we have no hope to live for. But God wants us to be able to cling to Him so tightly that we can always say the words in this text – no matter how dark the valley. He is always there for us to turn to. We can place our hope in Him, and He will carry us through the valley.

Today’s Testimony: If you’ve always been totally satisfied in life and never ever wanted to get out of a certain situation, you’re probably one in a few, if not the only. At some stage in life, we all wish we could get out. Some people turn to the temporary and fake relief of alcohol and cigarettes and all the other “distress-masks” that Satan offers. Even worse, some people take their lives because they see no hope to live. If you face times like these, please find your source of relief in The Good Shepherd.
Today I’d like to share two pieces from a book that I found encouraging when I was sick of life. They are both found in the book “Prophets and Kings” by the author E. White. The context in which these sections are found is the story of Elijah when he ran away from Queen Jezebel in fear for his life. He then wished he could die. The story is found in 1Kings 19. Here are the two excerpts:

Into the experience of all there come times of keen disappointment and utter discouragement – days when sorrow is the portion, and it is hard to believe that God is still the kind benefactor of His earthborn children; days when troubles harass the soul, till death seems preferable to life. It is then that many lose their hold on God and are brought into the slavery of doubt, the bondage of unbelief. Could we at such times discern with spiritual insight the meaning of God's providences we should see angels seeking to save us from ourselves, striving to plant our feet upon a foundation more firm than the everlasting hills, and new faith, new life, would spring into being. (Prophets and Kings pg. 162)

For the disheartened there is a sure remedy – faith, prayer, work. (Prophets and Kings pg. 164)

Have you ever felt like that? Just think, God cares so much about us that He sends His angels to try and save us from destroying ourselves. He wants us to find the peace that only He can offer.
When we do feel down and out, the best thing we can do is have faith, pray, and keep working. By working we turn our minds away from our sorrows and often they will shrink into insignificance. Working for the Lord is the best form of work to draw us back to His peace.
These two passages gave me strength when I was despairing of life; I hope they give you peace and strength to press on too. The Good Shepherd is there for you – He cares about you.

Today’s Task: Cling to your Saviour. No matter what dark and life-threatening valleys you may face, know that God is there and that He truly does care. Ask Him for His strength and peace. If you ever battle with stress and despair – place your faith in God, pray and find a work to do for Him. He longs to lift you out of despair. Take hold of His hand.

Today’s Thanks: Lord I thank You that You do not leave us to destroy ourselves – You do all that You can to save us from ourselves. I thank You that You are with us in every trial. Please give us strength and peace to endure. Help us to know that You are very present in every valley. Lord help us to have faith and to take all our anxieties to You. Lord please give us a work to do for You no matter how simple it may be. I thank You for Your great love. Amen.