Secure

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff they comfort me." ~ Psalm 23:4.

I have always loved this verse! Such a wonderful proclamation...no, not necessarily the happiest one, but I love how it promises that God will be with us no matter what!  

The sermon in church Sunday was titled "He secures me" and words can not express how wonderful it was. I could just feel my Abba giving me a great big hug and saying "I love you...I will protect you". In this post I will share with you my notes from the sermon, but further still, how God worked in my heart through this message

Psalm 23:4 shows that....I don't have an "exemption card" from hardship because I'm a Christian, therefore, there will be difficulty in my walk. There will be difficulty in my walk, but God will be with me through it all. There will be difficulty in my walk, but I am called to praise Him in the midst of it.

John 16:33 ~ "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.  In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world."

He  Secures Me With His~

1. Courage- "I will fear no evil"

This isn't an absence of fear, but the ability to keep moving through the valley, even in the hardest times.

1 Corinthians 16:13~ "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong."

Wow... listening to this, I just felt myself becoming more and more aware of God's incredible power. He will lead me, guide me, and protect me... is there any reason not to be courageous? He can do anything!!!

It then becomes a matter of trust... will I trust Him to be my guide? Will I put enough trust in Him to keep walking on through the valley? Will I put enough trust in Him to "fear no evil" and have courage? It's a choice. I  pray that I will continue grow in my trust in him to the point that  everything my life is completely His!

Why be courageous?-

Joshua 1:9~ "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." 

2. Companionship- "for I am with you" 

Isaiah 43: 1-2~ "But now, this is what the LORD says— 

he who created you, Jacob, 

he who formed you, Israel: 

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; 

I have summoned you by name; you are mine. 

When you pass through the waters, 

I will be with you; 

and when you pass through the rivers, 

they will not sweep over you. 

When you walk through the fire, 

you will not be burned; 

the flames will not set you ablaze."

I love this! I just want to leap for joy with the comfort that this gives... He will always be with me!!! Praise God! What an amazing Father and friend!!!!

3. Compassion- "your rod and your staff the comfort me"

Isaiah 40:1~ "Comfort, comfort my people, says your God."

This just brings to the surface God's incredible love. He doesn't just sit up there waiting for something to scold me for... He comforts and holds me... He has compassion.

Two aspects of His compassion~

   1. His rod- protection

This is a defensive weapon that a shepherd would use to protect his sheep... therefore the rod is a symbol of protection. 

1 John 4:4~ "...the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world"

This promise isn't a promise that I will be exempt from struggles, but the promise that He will get me home!!

   2. His staff- restoration 

The staff helps guide the sheep and hold them up when they stumble....therefore the staff is a symbol of restoration. He will uphold me and keep me strong!

Psalm 37: 23-24~ The LORD makes firm the steps 

of the one who delights in him; 

though he may stumble, he will not fall, 

for the LORD upholds him with his hand

Thank you Lord that you provide me with courage, companionship and compassion when I am facing "the valley of the shadow of death". You are such an amazing father!!! I love, and help me to trust you more and more! ~ Amen