Real Life

Have you ever read something or heard something and had a new thought? Something that has never crossed your mind before? That happened to me today. Now, I have listened to or read Psalms 23 many times. Most of you probably have as well.

The line: “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death” got a new thought today.

The part that got my attention was the “shadow of death.” It is not actually “death” but its shadow. Shadows may appear scary, but they are not as frightening as the thing that is casting the shadow. Then, and this is big, there can only be a shadow if there is light! Jesus said of himself that he is light. In fact, the light of the world.

Again, Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12 (ESV)

No wonder one doesn’t have to fear evil when they go through a valley or time in their life that can be filled with uncertainty because “thou (Jesus) art with me!” It’s comforting to know that Jesus, our shepherd, walks with us in life. He leads us and guides us like beside “still” waters so we can quench our thirst. Or to tables so we can eat relaxed, even in the presence of our enemies. If you miss what is going on here, it’s this: if you can trust Jesus with your life, you can live life even though things around you are not as good as you would desire them to be.

You will be comforted; you will be anointed so the smallest parasites of life can’t harm you. In fact, although life may be unstable around you, you will be blessed beyond anything you can imagine. Goodness and mercy will follow you wherever you go, and then, at the end of it all, you will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

It’s not a bad gig for simply placing your trust in Jesus. You’ve got nothing to lose and real life to gain. The kind of life God intended for you all along.

Editor's Picks

Karen Farris
The Gift of Silence
Getting to this trailhead had taken us over a gravel road that my son Tommy declared was like the surface of the moon—complete with deep craters. It was too dark to see into the woods as we drove further.After reaching our destination, Tommy and his childhood friend, Josh, didn’t delay....
2 min read
Carol McLeod
Finding Peace in the Middle of Anxiety — Carol McLeod Ministries
A Note from Carol: One of the greatest joys of my ministry is introducing you to voices that inspire us to love Jesus more deeply. Today, I’m honored to share Amber Albee Swenson with you—an author, podcaster, and woman of unwavering faith. Amber has walked through seasons of pain, uncertainty, a
7 min read
Lisa Wesley
How to Teach a Child to Pray
Our children / grandchildren need to know how to pray, but how can we teach them in a way they will understand? Prayer is simply talking to God but explaining that to a little one may be difficult. They may have a very active imagination but still struggle to understand...
6 min readPrayer Children Grandchildren
Chris Carpenter
Grinding Gears: How Going 'The Extra Mile' Changed Everything for Worship Artist Evan Craft
For anyone who has placed their foot on a bicycle pedal and set out on a journey of any distance, you know the impact it can have on you.Beyond the grueling repetition of pedaling mile after mile after mile, sometimes in less than perfect weather conditions, one spends a lot...
10 min readEvan Craft The Extra Mile Bicycling God's Faithfulness Gratitude