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Read Psalm 23:1 (0) A psalm of David:
(1) Adonai is my shepherd; I lack nothing.
2 He has me lie down in grassy pastures,
he leads me by quiet water,
3 he restores my inner person.
He guides me in right paths
for the sake of his own name.
4 Even if I pass through death-dark ravines,
I will fear no disaster; for you are with me;
your rod and staff reassure me.
5 You prepare a table for me,
even as my enemies watch;
you anoint my head with oil
from an overflowing cup.
6 Goodness and grace will pursue me
every day of my life;
and I will live in the house of Adonai
for years and years to come.
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The psalmist wrote, “The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want.” [Psalm 23:1 (NRSV)]
I received an unexpected phone call telling me that my dad had passed away after suffering with Alzheimer’s for several years. As I traveled almost 1200 miles to be with family, I had time to reflect on my dad’s life and what a great family man and provider my dad had been. It was now time for me to provide strength for my family.
I received an unexpected phone call telling me that my dad had passed away after suffering with Alzheimer’s for several years. As I traveled almost 1200 miles to be with family, I had time to reflect on my dad’s life and what a great family man and provider my dad had been. It was now time for me to provide strength for my family.
Over the past three decades I have struggled with alcohol and drug addiction. After surrendering to God, I have managed to remain clean and sober for some time. I was now about to be an active participant in the celebration of my dad’s life. I was thankful that God had helped me become well enough to handle this situation. Once the week had ended, I felt grateful to have honored my dad in a way that would have made him proud. God made me available to comfort people and made others available to comfort me. I was able to draw upon the strength of God to get through the tough moments.
As the celebration of Dad’s life ended, I knew God’s comforting presence. I felt joy in knowing that God walks with us through every valley. I now feel closer to my dad than ever before. Thanks be to God!
The Author: Todd Ricketts (Florida, USA)
Thought for the Day: God walks with me through every dark valley.
Prayer: Dear God, thank you for healing the sick and giving strength to the weak. Help us to recognize every opportunity to share your love with others. Amen.
Prayer focus: SOMEONE STRUGGLING WITH ADDICTION
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