Death's Valley
Soul Snack 120/11 ... Death's Valley
There are too many who find that each day is a walk through the valley of the shadow of death. Their soul screams, their heart aches and tears have become their nearest friend. In the valley they are deceitfully attracted to sin and invited to make something/someone other than Jesus their stronghold for defence.
Isn't the shadow of death cast across all and just maybe walked within continually by so many?
Is death the compass of life to where we are all pointed?
Yet even amidst man's biggest enemy, death - God refuses to leave His own unattended.
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. (Ps 23:4)
He pursues with His goodness and comfort because He still wants His own to sit with Him, live with Him and enjoy Him forever.
Because He is present it is on His staff they can lean and with His rod He draws them to safety.
The shepherd's rod (crook) with its curled tip restrains, guides and separates the sheep from danger.
If you feel restrained, guided or even separated from your world -- don't worry His gentle crook has removed you from danger, He has separated from you death forever. There may well be loss, but the gain of life with Him is so much better.
In the valley of the shadow of death look for His rod, enjoy its tender pressure for it is taking you to safety.
Today's Soul Snippet:
Self-denial is soul revival.