storms of life

Sometimes Jesus comes and simply carries us through hard times. This post was so encouraging to read today. We hope it blesses you!

GRL March encouragement

 ~Psalm 23~

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.

He takes me to lush pastures, he leads me to refreshing water.

He restores my strength.

He leads me down the right paths for the sake of his reputation.

Even when I must walk through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for you are with me;

your rod and your staff reassure me.

You prepare a feast before me in plain sight of my enemies.

You refresh my head with oil; my cup is completely full.

Surely your goodness and faithfulness will pursue me all my days,

and I will live in the Lord’s house for the rest of my life. 

(NET Bible)

A Shepherd. A good shepherd. Someone who cares about you deeply. A God who never lets you out of His sight. God wants to make Himself known to you as your good Shepherd. 

Are you trusting in Him as your Shepherd? He wants to lead you. Are you willing to follow Him? He wants to protect you. He wants you to keep in His right paths. He desires to fill your life with all of HIS fullness.

So, think about God's goodness in your life. How has He protected you? What can you praise Him for right now? Try starting with praise for HIM and who HE is! Regardless of how your circumstances change (and believe me, they will change! sometimes all seems to be going great, and other times, it's as if all of life is against you), our God never changes. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. Nothing can separate you from His love. Do you believe He is with you? What is worrying you today? Go to your Good Shepherd in prayer and tell Him what's on your heart. Praise Him for meeting your every need. Whether it's a life threatening situation, or just getting through your daily routine, remember that you are loved. God cares for you and He gives you His blessings and His protection! He's for you. Never doubt it!!

Isaiah 40:11, He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in his arms, holding them close to his heart. 

John 10:27-28, My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of My hand.

Psalm 23:6 is really meaningful in the Message translation: "Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life." Take a minute to think that through. God's love and God's beauty, His goodness and faithfulness, chase after YOU. Not just every now and then, but every day -- He's after your heart, your affections, your love. He extends such grace to us - His forgiveness, His hope, His salvation. He puts people into our lives and arranges our circumstances so that we learn to see more of Him. He is initiating a very special relationship with you, and it's all made possible through the amazing gift of His Son, Jesus Christ. Slow down. Let His love capture your heart.

You Never Let Go by Matt Redman

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death

Your perfect love is casting out fear

And even when I'm caught in the middle of the storms of this life

I won't turn back I know you are near

And I will fear no evil

For my God is with me

And if my God is with me

Whom then shall I fear?

Whom then shall I fear?

(Chorus:)

Oh no, You never let go

Through the calm and through the storm

Oh no, You never let go

In every high and every low

Oh no, You never let go

Lord, You never let go of me

Yes, I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on

And there will be an end to these troubles

But until that day comes

Still I will praise You, still I will praise You