Encouragement – Day 24 – I Am Not Alone
Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me. (Joh 16:32)These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. (Joh 16:33)
Jesus, our Example, shows us that we are not alone. Just like He had the Father with Him, we do also. No matter how alone we feel in life’s trials, the Father is right there by our side. I remember when my children were little and they would get hurt. The first thing they did was to look around to find Mommy or Daddy and they would run to us for comfort. They did not look around for their sibling or a friend or other adult … they looked around for Mommy or Daddy. What a lovely picture of the Christian running to His Father when he is hurt and in need. Oh that we should be as little children and run to the Father’s side when we have needs instead of running to others.
Psalm 23 is such a great Psalm to read when one is in need of refreshing the soul and spirit! I went to visit my Shepherd there this morning in search of a spiritual refreshing. No one can provide this but Him in times like these. This Psalm is not just for funerals, my friend. It is a Psalm for the weary Christian on his journey.
Psa 23:1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. My Shepherd and Guide is my own personal Shepherd – He is MY Shepherd and He will see to it that I lack nothing.
Psa 23:2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. My Shepherd provides rest to my spirit and is always leading me to His Word where they are not turbulent and confusing but so still, I can see clearly. Turbulent waters are murky – but these waters are still and clear and I will find my answers there. The spiritual refreshment is not hidden or difficult to find. My Shepherd sees to it that I find exactly what I need for the moment.
Psa 23:3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. In times like these, our soul needs to be restored and encouraged. My Shepherd leads me to His Righteous Word for restoration. We all need refueling.
Psa 23:4 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. I think of discouragement as being the dying of one’s countenance or spirit. My Shepherd says that I do not need to fear anything because He is with me. His guidance brings comfort. He will guide me away from this shadow. Thank You Lord!
Psa 23:5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Ole slewfoot doesn’t stand a chance, although he will surely try to test my metal. Thank God for my Shepherd who is busy preparing a place for me in Heaven and will return to receive me unto Himself. I have a place secured for me in Heaven because of what my Shepherd did for me! Yes, my cup is overflowing, for sure. Meditating on that alone is enough to encourage my spirit.
Psa 23:6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. My Shepherd’s goodness and mercy are always there during my pilgrimage on this earth. Not only do we benefit from His goodness and mercy, but we have the wonderful knowledge of knowing that we will be dwelling with Him for ever!
Thank You Lord, for encouraging my heart today! I stand amazed at how personal a God You are and a Father to me!
How comforting to know that You are there
In the midst of my trial You are found
Not sitting idly by as I struggle with life
But your goodness and mercy abound
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