Psalm 23

This morning I had the immense privilege of hearing one of my Seminary professors give a message on the 23rd Psalm. It is a Psalm that we hear often, especially after a death, however its message runs deeper, and can apply to every valley in our lives, no matter how deep or how dark.

At those times we are standing before a valley, we are often frightened and sad; the valley is dark, uncertain. Yet our Shepherd calls us deeper and deeper into the darkness, into the valley.We cry out, "But Lord the things in the valley are bigger than I; the walls in the valley are steep and jagged!" Yet, He tells us, "Do not look at the walls, look at Me. Nothing in the valley is bigger than Me. I am your Shepherd, and I will not leave you. I have been through this valley before, and I know the way. I promise that there will be green pastures on the other side. There you will be refreshed, you will receive rest, and your faith in Me will be stronger, because you will see that I have brought you forth from the dark, closing walls of the valley."

So, stay close to the Shepherd- He is shaping you to be a follower that clings to Him in all things. Soon you will be able to lift your arms in praise and say, "I was blind, but now I see; Jesus you kept the faith in me!"

Friends, our life journey, and specifically our journey through adoption can certainly have its share of valley's- they are dark, uncertain, and often terrifying. God has written your name on this path, and He is walking it with you. As He calls you deeper and deeper into the darkness, cling tightly to Him and His promise that there are green pastures waiting for you, children to call your own will be yours on the other side! We can see His promise to us in Psalm 23. Write it on your heart...

The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I feel 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. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Amen Psalm 23

Kindra