SCRIPTURE READING: PSALM 23: 1-6
FOCUS: “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” (Psalm 23: 4)
MEMORY VERSE: “Who is among you that feareth the LORD, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God.” (Isaiah 50: 10)
In verses preceding our Focal Scripture, the psalmist speaks severally of how the Lord leads him, into green pastures, beside still waters and in the paths of righteousness. All of a sudden, the narrative takes a different turn in the valley of the shadow of death, and it is the psalmist walking all by himself, with no mention of the Shepherd. The psalmist said, “though I walk through the valley…”. So, when it seemed that the Shepherd was missing and out of sight, the sheep kept moving.
Friend, there will be times when you simply can’t feel the presence of the Shepherd around you. There will be times when you cannot feel the leading of the Shepherd. At such times, remember what the Shepherd taught you, and move. The Shepherd led the sheep, He taught the sheep to move, and when the sheep couldn’t feel the Shepherd, he still moved. Move when you can’t see the Shepherd. Move when it seems dark and dreadful. Move even if you feel all alone in the valley.
Don’t allow any situation tie you down. There are times when you will find yourself in the valley. There are times when situations will arise to stampede your faith; at such times, keep moving. When it seems that everyone has abandoned you, keep moving. In seasons when you are the only one doing what is right, keep moving. In seasons when your prayers are not being answered, keep moving. In seasons when you are down, keep moving.
To settle in the valley is to settle for death and destiny reduction and destruction. To settle in the valley is not an option for anyone who has followed the Shepherd. To settle in the valley is not an option for anyone who has encountered Jesus and accepted His finished work on the cross. Even if you got to the valley by your own error, don’t remain there; keep moving. Don’t accept the habitation of the valley.
Receive the grace to move out of the valley. Receive the grace to keep moving against all odds. Receive grace to move when it seems the Shepherd is not nigh. Receive the grace to move in all seasons.
FURTHER READING: ISAIAH 50
DECLARATION:
- Even when I can’t see the Shepherd, I choose to keep moving, in Jesus’ name!