For You Are With Me
Today’s Bible Verse:
Psalm 23:4 ESV
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.
In Psalm 23, the shepherd's voice is heard, offering reassurance and strength. Verse four speaks directly to our deepest fears, the "valley of the shadow of death." This phrase doesn't necessarily refer to physical death but rather to any experience of darkness, loss, or despair. It's those times when we feel alone, abandoned, and afraid. Ask anyone going through chemotherapy treatment.
Yet, even in these valleys, King David declares, "I will fear no evil, for you are with me." This is the core of our faith, the promise that God walks beside us through every trial and tribulation. We are never truly alone. God's presence is our refuge, our fortress, our shield.
The "rod and staff" symbolize the shepherd's authority and protection. They represent God's guidance and care. The rod wards off danger, while the staff comforts and supports. We can find solace in knowing that God is our protector and comforter.
PRAYERS
Keep in Your Prayers:
For the people in the southeast of the US dealing with Tropical Storm Debby.
All people dealing with cancer
Those who reject Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
A Prayer for Today:
Gracious God, thank You for your promise to be with me always, even in the darkest valleys. Help me to trust in your presence and find comfort in your rod and staff. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
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