Month: January 2020

Treasures In The Darkness

Have you ever read Psalm 23 and thought that it didn’t pertain to you? After all, you aren’t in the shadow of death. But have you really read it closely?

I am doing a study by Aimee Walker on Psalm 23 titled, The Good Shepherd

One of the things that has come around full circle for me has been the beautiful truth of God as a caring shepherd. The past couple of years has been excruciating for me personally. I have known the valley. I have dreaded the valley. Amidst the valley my soul felt surrounded by darkness (shadows). But God in his goodness has taken care of my soul.

A couple months ago I realized the gift of the valley. Much like many others, my view of it was skewed. I saw it and thought I shouldn’t be there. Some days I questioned it’s fairness. But there are treasures to be gained in the valleys. There are treasures stored in secret places, in those dark places. If you are willing to press into the shepherds cloak and stay near him the valley will become a gift to you.

While there it can become your invitation to a deeper intimacy with the Lord. Still waters, and lush green grass await you (v. 1,2) . Even amidst enemies as stated in verse 5, it says that he prepares a table for you and anoints your head with oil. This is all in the valley!

Did you know you can find rest amidst it all? Yes, you can. “He makes me lie down” (v. 2) can be a command and an invitation to rest. I didn’t know it was possible to enjoy rest with horrific and exhausting circumstances still occuring. But in my valley the Lord has taught me how. It is one treasure I found in the darkness.

He is a good Shepherd. He takes good care of his sheep. The valley is often the place we dread but He has prepared it to be a place where you find strength again and increased hope. It is the place of intimacy. Great treasures are stored in this place. It is the place that even your enemies will look and wonder why you are protected and receive the victory.

Come close to your Shepherd. He loves and cares for you. Let his healing oil drench you. Drink from the waters and rest.

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Do you need rest? What circumstances make you feel like you are unable to rest near your Shepherd? Please share with me and I will pray specifically for you and your situation.

Rise High

As a child all I wanted to do was fly. I wanted to be free, to feel the wind on my face. Freedom and joy seemed to be what I yearned for. Even as a child I felt deep pits of darkness and despair deep in my gut. It felt like an anchor, a prison, a painful friend (or foe depending on your perspective).

But God met me in every way, everywhere I went. He showed me that my letting go allowed Him to raise the dead in me. This allowed hopes and dreams to rise, a new life to come forth even if it was slow. I found I could be brave as God opened new doors and a new way of living. Freedom and victory became normal.

It is true. The more you let go, the higher you will rise. God will remove whatever hinders you. This is how you can soar no matter what comes your way. His way of life for you teaches you how to fly like an eagle. He will show you how to soar above the storm and soak up the suns rays to rest and persevere through any circumstance.

Let go and rise.

Especially The Impossible

As a child I remember believing in impossibly big things. Adults, friends even family would all make sure to tell me the reality of life. Simply put, some things would never happen. But when you are born a dreamer, it is a part of you that never dies. It is big faith.

No matter what has happened in my life I have always come back to the impossible. The impossible is a challenge. What looks like a mountain could be moved or if you’re Mary Poppins, you could simply fly over it.

I have lived through many soul crushing things. I may have suffered times of doubt or felt extreme defeat but I was not defeated. The beautiful thing about God is that circumstances can change in an instant. Feelings come and go but God does not. God remains good. God remains the same. God is faithful.

Because of God hope rises as the sun awakes in the early morning. Dreams can and often do become reality. The impossible becomes possible.

Yes, Mary Poppins, anything is possible. But I would say, especially the impossible.