In Psalm 23:4, we read, “Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for You are close beside me”.
Many of you know that for years I have had back problems. I had surgery in 2020 and found great relief. Then, about three months ago, something caused a disc to move in my back, and the pain has been terrible. The only reason I am still sane (my opinion) is because the LORD, my Shepherd, is close beside me as I go through this dark valley.
The LORD is the Great Physician. He has sovereignly healed me in the past but for some reason, this time He is allowing me to experience pain that is more intense than I have ever experienced before. My faith is in Him and I am not afraid.
The Lord has me on His path, and He is with me every step of the way. Folks, the same is true for you. I don’t know your circumstances, but I know my Shepherd, and His presence makes all the difference. He is with you, too.
We don’t have to be afraid, for our Shepherd is with us and caring for us. A passage of Scripture the LORD gave to me many years ago has helped every day since. I hope it will for you, too. Isaiah 43:10-11 says, “But you are my witnesses, O Israel!” says the Lord. “You are my servant. You have been chosen to know Me, believe in Me, and understand that I alone am God. There is no other God—there never has been, and there never will be. I, yes I, am the Lord, and there is no other Savior.”
Sadly, so many people trust the gods of this world. Satan is deceiving them, and they don’t know it. Jesus is the one and only true Savior. He is the Shepherd who never fails us.
In Psalm 4:1-3 NIV, we read, God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. No matter what you face, Jesus has promised He will never leave us.
In Isaiah 41:13 NIV, we read, For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, ‘Do not fear; I will help you.” I would encourage you to go to the concordance in the back of your Bible and look up verses having to do with fear, trust, etc., and highlight them so that you can go back to them again and again. God’s Word never changes, and His promises are “Yes and Amen” to those who embrace them.
God’s best to you,
Pastor Leonard
