July 18, 2018
Psalm 23:1-4 New Living Translation
Early Tuesday morning, we received a call from our daughter-in-love, Whitney, that our son, Jimmy, was quite ill so she was taking him to the emergency room. Prayers for Jimmy began and by the time John and I got to the hospital, he was being assessed by an amazing medical team. The Lord was with us; we were comforted by God’s love. Jimmy needed fluids, medication, and rest; even though he still had symptoms he would be able to go home within hours. Yet, there was another young man the same age as our son who was brought into the exam room next to us and he had a very different story. Sadly, he overdosed on IV drug use and died alone.
The Lord promises to lead us along right paths for our lives; however, that promise must be connected to a seeking and surrendered heart. The paths to which the Lord leads us are never self-destructive; living in a self-destructive way does not bring honor to the name of the Lord. The Lord always seeks to lead his human children away from those kinds of temptations; the enemy tries to rob, kill, and destroy us, but the Lord protects. I continue to pray for the loved ones of this deceased young man. May every person struggling with this type of battle open his or her eyes to see God reaching for them; reaching to lovingly guide them and walk this life with them. He will lead every willing heart into a life of freedom. Praise his Holy Name!
Psalm 23 A psalm of David.
1
The Lord is my shepherd;
I have all that I need.
2
He lets me rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams.
3
He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.
4
Even when I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the reminder of your deep love and care for us as we call upon your name for salvation. I pray for my heart to be surrendered to your perfect will. I pray for your other children who are addicted and find themselves on self-destructive paths to wake up and reach for you. It is never too late to pray and ask you to enter our lives and needs. You are a wonderful Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen.