MONTHLY NEWSLETTER – April 19, 2021 The Lord Is My ShepherdBy Gary Wilkerson Leading a Life of Perfect PeaceEvery Christian has known mountaintop peaks and deep, dark valleys in their walk with Jesus. In my experience, it’s the valleys—the low places, trials and difficult times—that teach us how to be people of prayer, hope and courageous service. In other words, the valley is where we learn to be God’s faithful witnesses in turbulent times because it’s there we learn his faithfulness toward us in our deepest needs. Like so many followers of Jesus, I treasure the opening of Psalm 23. “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1, ESV). We’re assured we have a faithful shepherd to guide us through all storms and hardships, one who skillfully maneuvers us through every situation. “He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake” (23:2-3). What powerful images of peace in times of tribulation. Our shepherd leads us into these wonderful places, yet the same shepherd leads us into difficult places as well. This produces in us a powerful testimony: “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. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies” (23:4-5). |
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