Tears.
Sometimes they are a good thing. They allow us to sort out our emotions or navigate a difficult situation.
The other side of tears, however, is more complicated. Once the tears have dried, we must walk our new path and become stronger inside.
What happens when our new path is inconceivable? When we can’t imagine the world beyond our tears? When we can’t get our head around making the first step that we know is before us?
A spouse, taken unexpectedly. How can we face tomorrow? Our grief is greater than we are.
Financial ruin. How can we provide housing, food, or transportation to those who depend on us?
A natural disaster that slams us from out of nowhere. Our world is rocked from this to that in a moment of catastrophe. We can’t climb up the other side.
Psalm 23:4 says it best:
“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.”
The darkest valley … that’s something we all understand. Let’s look today at the rest of this verse.
I will fear no evil … that’s God. He is our comfort. He has plans for us that are good. Our situation at this present moment isn’t our life. It’s but for a moment, even when it seems to overwhelm us.
A shepherd leads and guides with a rod and staff. They are the tools of a loving caregiver.
Jesus is that to us, a loving caregiver who desires the best for us.
Our first step in times of trouble is to snuggle up with God. Get into the Word. Spend time in prayer, and while you are there, allow a time of quiet meditation so that God has time to speak to you.
Then we can say, “For you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
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