Walking Through Valleys

Psalm 23
"The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
forever."

Anticipating today to be a difficult one as we celebrate my father's life and legacy and take him to his final resting place, I also anticipate my Heavenly Father to be by my side every step of the day and if I should need Him to, He will catch every tear I shed. It is comforting to know that I do not have to walk this journey alone.  God is with me, just as He is with my Father.  This gives me a calm and peace that helps me and when others have asked, "I don't know how people get through this without God?" I am blessed to say I don't know the answer to that question but would want to tell others they don't have to be alone.  God is right there for them, catching their tears, too, carrying them through their dark nights and valleys, also.

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God." 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 

In Word or Deed

"Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing."
I Thessalonians 5:11 (NKJV)

The Apostle Paul exhorted the Thessalonians to continue "just as you are doing." What are you doing to support your neighbor; your fellow Christian?

Are any among you hurting, sick or in need of encouragement?
If the way you are treating them is anything other than a loving and positive response to Paul's directive to comfort and edify, can you honestly say "...whatever you do in word or deed, [you] do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him" (Colossians 3:17 NKJV)?

Heavenly Father, show us where and how to extend the love of Christ to our brothers and sisters. Give us eyes to see the pain we inadvertently cause when we continue to focus on, or judge, their past instead of celebrating their mercy-filled present with you. May Your will be done, In Jesus' Name, Amen.