Presence

 ‭Psalms 23:4 NIV‬
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

https://bible.com/bible/111/psa.23.4.NIV

When God leads us, life isn't all rainbows and unicorns. Sometimes He leads us through dark valleys. Yet even there, in the midst of the darkness, He presences Himself with us.

God isn't always a warm, comforting presence, even for His people. There's times He needs to discipline us with His metaphorical rod. We need to have the humility to bear the chastisement we deserve.

God's staff might be uncomfortable when He draws us back onto the narrow way. Yet it's essential for straying sheep like us. We need Him to keep us on the straight and narrow.

We can't do life alone. We need the Sovereign presence of our Good Shepherd. He laid down His life for us, so that we might live forevermore.

'Lord our Shepherd, please walk with us through the darkest valleys, and even though death with us. May we dwell in Your house forevermore, for the honour of Your name, amen'.

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