I have been walking on this dark path for what seems like forever. My way has not been easy. The negative messages that pop into the forefront of my mind seem to repeat the same old song. I keep hearing phrases over and over again designed to beat me down. I feel a heaviness on my shoulders continually with little relief. Nothing seems to be going right today. I feel weak and the chronic cough is nagging me at every step. I am in need of a rest almost at every turn. My supplies are running low and even though there is not a cloud in the sky…something unearthly is blocking the sun.
As I trudge thru the muck and the mire, I push the enemy’s voice aside and try to focus on what is actually going right on this journey. This practice helps relieve the thickness of the air for a time. I take advantage of the silence and think about how lucky I am to have a few provisions and supportive fellow travelers. I realize the others are on separate paths. Luckily they are within ear shot and are able to listen to my tales of woe at times. I fear they grow weary of my story.
I am an experienced and well trained follower of the Lord. But there are times when I feel I have used every skill and good practice and achieved very little. I realized it is when things look hopeless-is when I am the closest to the Lord. I have to depend on His power and strength to get me through this life. The most important tool I have with me is scriptures from the Lord’s WORD bringing powerful words of healing and assurance. The passage ringing true at this moment is Psalms 23.
” The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not WANT. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He Leads me beside QUIET waters. He RESTORES my soul; He GUIDES me in the paths of righteousness FOR His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I FEAR no evil; for Thou art WITH me. Thy rod and they staff, they COMFORT me. Thou dost prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; Thous hast ANOINTED my head with oil; my cup OVERFLOWS. Surely goodness and loving KINDNESS with follow me all the DAYS of my life and I will DWELL in the house of the Lord FOREVER.”
I believe these words with every fiber of my being. Their power has brought me peace. I trust the Lord will never leave me, no matter where this path leads me. When I have days like this…scripture needs to be that for which I reach. Why do I sometimes wait so long to remember the sacred words?
I will continue on, even if I have to get down on my knees and crawl…coughing the entire way…stopping and resting to regain my strength. I must never ever give up! The passage below brings me great comfort and strength.
“Rejoice in the Lord always; and again I say Rejoice! Let your forbearing sir it be know to all me. The Lord is NEAR! Be anxious for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with THANKSGIVING let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God which surpasses all COMPREHENSION shall guard your HEARTS and your MINDS in Jesus Christ.” Philippians 4:4-8