12/3/21 Day 21

TODAY'S VERSE: 12/3/21 Day 21

“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.” - Psalm 23:4

 

TODAY'S DEVOTION:

That’s a common Bible verse, right?  We’ve likely heard or read it many times, and it’s one of my favorites because of the word “through.”

Since my arrival at Hope, my wife and I have lived apart as she finishes her teaching career back in NE Iowa and prepares to start a new one here. I, on the other hand, have been immersed in “all things Hope” during that time. We talk daily and haven’t gone longer than a couple weeks without seeing each other. Yet some days are a challenge to be apart. And honestly, we’ve been happily married for over 35 years now, but like any relationship, there are both peaks and valleys. You noticed the word, “valley” there, right? And that brings me back to the psalmist’s word, “through.”   

Psalm 23:4 can serve as a wonderful Lenten reminder that we will all go through valleys, some far darker than temporary separation from a loved one. Many reading this devotional are dealing with unimaginable pain and suffering, for a variety of reasons, perhaps the very darkest of “valleys.” Perhaps it’s a neighbor or friend in that lowland of life…

Lent is that season of waiting that brings us not only to the foot of the cross but to the risen Lord on Easter, God’s fulfilled promise of “through” in Jesus. Christ paid the ultimate price for us so that we can eventually find comfort during life’s occasional canyons.

Yes, we WILL have valleys during our earthly lives, but we find peace knowing a Lord who promises to “walk through” those times with us, especially the darker moments, even if our understanding of ‘why’ is not abundantly clear until we’re face-to-face with Him in heaven.

Jesus went “through,” and I’m humbled by that realization this Lenten season, and no matter what valley lies ahead, He “comforts me.” I know He will do the same for you.

Bill Withers
Executive Minster: Campus Network & Development

TODAY'S PRAYER:

Father, thank you for the promise you realized for us on the cross.  Thank you for helping us understand our earthly lives, at times filled with both peaks and valleys, is temporary.  Please use me this Lenten season to help those around me to understand this truth, and the unimaginable joy of life eternal through you.  Open opportunities for me to invite others to know you more fully, to be invitational to others to join me in worship, study, prayer, and service, all to your glory. Amen.



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

18/2/21 Day 2

Image
TODAY'S VERSE:  18/2/21 Day 2 "When Jesus heard this, he told them, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor – sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who now they are sinners.” Mark 2:17   TODAY'S DEVOTION: Have you ever wondered what the qualifications are for being a part of what God is up to? Maybe more specifically, have you ever questioned if you are (or someone else is) a “good enough person” to share the Good News of Jesus? If so, you aren’t alone. But, here’s the good news … Early on in his ministry, there were a lot of people who were more than a little surprised by Jesus. In fact, a lot of religious people were down right offended by what he was doing and who he was doing it with. Not only was Jesus reaching out to those who were on the fringes, but he started to call those same people to be a part of the movement he was starting. Today we are living in the response to Ash Wednesday. Ash Wednesday we are re
Read more

SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINE FOR LENT SEASON 2021

Image
The Lent season begins from Ash Wednesday and lasts till Easter, for a period of 40 days excluding Sundays (Sundays are not included in the 40 days because Sunday is always remembered as the day of Christ’s resurrection). Since the old days, believers would fast and pray, repent and reflect on the sufferings and death of Christ.   During this period, the Sunday sermons of the liturgical churches would usually mention such personalities like Moses, Elijah and Jesus. For Moses, he fasted 40 days and 40 nights on Mount Sinai before receiving the Law and Commandments; Elijah, who challenged the false prophets, ran away to a broom tree when he was pursued by Jezebel to be killed. When the angel of the Lord strengthened him with food, he travelled 40 days and 40 nights without food and water.   As for Jesus, he was led into the desert where he fasted 40 days and 40 nights; he drew close to the Father and was filled with the power of the Holy Spirit before he was tempted by the devil. Wit
Read more

27/3/21 Day 34

Image
TODAY'S VERSE: 27/3/21 Day 34 “I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But it’s death will produce many new kernels- a plentiful harvest of new lives. Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity. Anyone who wants to be my disciple must follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And the Father will honor anyone who serves me.” John 12:24-26   TODAY'S DEVOTION: Tomorrow marks Palm Sunday, the day when we celebrate Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. It’s a strange thing to celebrate the day Jesus enters the city where he will die; but when Jesus entered Jerusalem that day he was welcomed by a crowd who had heard that he had raised Lazarus from the dead after 4 days in the tomb. They desperately wanted to see the man who could do such a thing and find out if he was the one to rescue the nation of Israel from Roman rule. As soon
Read more