Walking Through a Time of Darkness

Psalm 23:4, "Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for You are close beside me. Your rod and Your staff protect and comfort me" (NLT). I felt that I needed to encourage someone today. All of us face circumstances in which we feel the presence of darkness crowding around us. We wonder if we will ever reach the end of the darkness or will it become a permanent fixture of our lives? We often feel alone, isolated, and sometimes forgotten when we face those moments of trial and sorrow. But rest assured that you are not alone; the Lord is close to you even when you are in the dark valley. God fully understands what you are feeling and thinking; He knows us, yet He desires to draw near and provide the protection and comfort that we need. I don't know if we are able to fully comprehend the greatness of God's care and concern. Oh, I know that we talk about His love and concern in a somewhat abstract manner; but do we fully recognize that He desires to release His love in our lives at the very most difficult of times? God is not only present to compliment you on a task that you have accomplished but He is ready to comfort you when you are saddened by a series of events that is taking place in your life. Can we offer Him praise and adoration today for His grace, mercy, and love? God does not take those dark moments in our lives lightly. Rather, He responds to those who suffer the challenges of the "dark days" with great tenderness, understanding, and compassion. The enemy certainly seeks to overwhelm us with feelings of oppression, depression, and even discouragement. But we must not allow these attacks to distract us from the presence of God's power and the strength of His promises. As we continue to develop the habit of seeking God, reading His Word, and attending worship services on a consistent basis we are able to have a clear perspective that God is working for us and not against us. We must ask God to give us a Biblical based perspective of the presence of God; He will not forsake us in those moments of darkness. As we continue to seek God He will fill our minds and hearts with encouragement; we will be able to receive the great love and compassion of God as we reflect on His faithfulness. Do not despair today; God is walking with you during the times of "darkness" and He will bring comfort and strength as you trust in Him and His Word.