Psalm 23 - Shadows

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down on 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 fear no evil, for You are with me; your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

There are times when I hear God's audible voice. And there are times when I question whether I heard Him correctly. There are so many uncertainties and so many opportunities for me to be bitter at Him. Perhaps I am too hard on myself. Indeed, I need to show myself some grace. Psalm 23 has been my meditational passage this day. I couldn't function at school, so I simply left for home. The sequence of this passage never fails to compel me of how much Daddy loves me. I need to lie down and experience His protection and security. It is through receiving that I am enabled to walk (beside quiet waters). But even in my walking, He is leading. And it is not until we begin to walk out in obedience are our souls then restored.

What I need to hold onto now is the truth that the valley of the shadow of death is in fact a shadow. A shadow is something that doesn't hurt me. It brings fear - but it will never hurt me. Although I feel as if I am walking in darkness, the enemy can never hurt me for He is with me.

...Easier said than done.

Bless the Lord, oh my soul and forget not His benefits.