Walk Through the Valley....

.....with Jesus

  The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
 ² He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
 ³ he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
   for his name’s sake.
⁴ Even though I walk
   through the darkest valley,^[a]
I will fear no evil,
   for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
   they comfort me.  ⁵ You prepare a table before me
   in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
   my cup overflows.
⁶ Surely your goodness and love will follow me
   all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
   forever.

Even when it's dark and lonely, there is always someone walking with us.  If you've ever read "Pilgrims Progress" you might have a picture in  your mind of a guy, walking along a very narrow path, surrounded by demons and horrible things, flying, whispering, screaming, clawing and biting him; him holding out a Bible, reading this scripture out loud, yet the demonic forces are so strong, the voices still penetrate his mind and heart.  He chooses to read out loud, then yells it. It took strong, strong determination to drive away the voices that tormented him. But it was through his prayers and determination that Jesus was able to be there.

"Christian" invited Him to his dark and lonely place and when Jesus saw He was welcome, He went and took care of Christian. Jesus was there all the time; He just waited for the invitation to help. Jesus wants us to ask Him to be there. Jesus wants us to want Him there, to be our best friend. Sometimes we can get so caught up in every day life, that we forget the battle that is at hand. When life is going easy, we can forget that we still need Him. Jesus doesn't want to be a "fair weather friend." He wants to be a friend that is there for us at all times and for us to want Him there at all times. We can so easily just cry out to Him in our time of need and forget Him in all the other times. I know, in my life, I've found sooooo often I forget to pray for His help on a daily basis. I forget to invite Him into my daily life and chores. Then when tragedy strikes, I find myself on my knees. Then of course, I get ashamed, because I feel guilty, as if I shouldn't be asking Him for anything. Then comes the "promises" of "I promise, I'll remember to involve You in my daily life if You'll just help me now...." and then I think, "I don't and shouldn't be putting conditions on God and His help!!!"  Ohhh, how many times I've gone on that circle.

When I involve Him in my daily life, even in the small things, like doing the dishes, or laundry, or making the bed, my relationship with Him is so much richer, fuller and exciting. I find Him speaking to me through the small things, and encouraging me in things that would normally be just "ordinary" in every day life.

Everyone is going to fall, fail and forget, but don't be discouraged. Jesus is always there to pick you up, brush you off and help you continue on. I've discovered that He is always willing to welcome me back as a friend, as soon as I show an interest. It's amazing how awesome He is, and how forgiving He is!!! I just wish I didn't forget to involve Him in my life as often as I do!

Blessings to you all~