Dear Friend,
If 2023 has been hard and 2024 looks to be more of the same – I surely hope the Scriptures and truths from them found in this post might encourage you deep in the soil of your soul. Please know this, friend, you’re never alone. You’re never without hope. Jesus is always right there with you in power and prayer, in strength and solace, in comfort and compassion. And no matter the time, date, or location, He remains the same yesterday, today, and forever.
your friend,
Beth
p.s. If you’d like for me to pray for you, please post your name in the comments or send me a message on the contact me page for this website. I will pray for you.
Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Psalm 23:4 KJV Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Straight paths.
Always, paths straight, even if they lead through the valley of the shadow of death is what my Good God promises me. Whether or not I can see the path shouldn’t influence whether or not I choose to walk the path. But too many times, it does. And that choice always comes from my lack of faith, never any lacking in faithfulness from my Good God.
My Good God tells me of His steadfast love over and again in Scripture. He shows me His steadfast love over and again in situations where I feel overwhelmed, lost, or afraid. That fear not, I am with you is whispered to my soul amidst the screams of my heart and mind. And that truth strengthens my soul with strength enough.
Strength enough to take that next step.
Strength enough to take captive all those thoughts running through my head.
Strength enough to take ahold of that mustard-seed of faith.
I know that the shortest distance between two points is a straight line. Yet that straight path through the valley of the shadow of death sure doesn’t seem like the shortest distance, much less the easiest path. But Scripture also tells me that nothing is impossible with God just like the angel told Mary. So, I gather up the manna of strength enough for today and keep moving forward into the hope of tomorrow.
Moving forward against fear into faith.
Moving forward against doubt into delight.
Moving forward against worry into worship.
Steps seem longer, harder, and sooner to take in the valleys. And there in the valleys, pain, grief, and loss try their best to erode endurance into a wasteland of wanting to just give up. But valley soil can be so very fertile in its supply of a raw hope that doesn’t disappoint. Hope like this doesn’t bloom on its own; it must be dug up like that precious pearl buried in a field.
A treasure requiring everything in me.
A treasure worth everything from me.
For that treasure is my Jesus, my glory, my reliance in this life and for eternity. The One Who’s already walked a straight path through the valley of the shadow of death for me. The One Who’s ready to show me where hope is found. The One Who’s willing to give strength enough for the next step and the next valley.
Thank You, Jesus, for being the One Who stays and Who sends strength.
Thank You, Jesus, for being the One Who leads and Who loves lavishly.
Thank You, Jesus, for being the One Who helps and Who hands out hope.
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written by and copyrighted to Beth Madison, Ph.D., 2023.
Soul Scientist 
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