Our scripture this morning is Psalm 23:4 (ESV).
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 your staff, they comfort me.
This verse from Psalm 23 expresses our faith in the Lord in all circumstances. It doesn’t matter where we go or what we face, God has promised to be with us. We remember Moses’ plea to God “If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here” (Exodus 33:15). David, the author of this psalm, knew that promise not just from scripture, but from experience.
We know that as followers of Jesus there will be obstacles on our journey and opposition to the message we bring. David had a hard path to becoming king, and although he was not perfect, he knew about asking God’s forgiveness when he stumbled. He counted on God to be with him always, not just when things were rough.
This is our major problem as humans – we are more than willing to cry out for God to be with us when things are challenging, but do we also crave His presence when things are good? He is not the God of good times or bad times but the Creator of time itself and all things that exist. He is always there, it is up to us to recognize His presence and accept His blessing.
Heavenly Father, forgive us when we ignore You and the love You have for us. Help us to see You in all our brothers and sisters, and may they see you in us. Amen.
