Daily Reflections, Thursday, January 24, 2008

Today's Scripture: Psalm 23

From the moment Mary’s mother, Jena, was diagnosed with terminal cancer until the time of her death, Mary’s friends pitched in and did whatever they could to help. Mary appreciated the assistance very much. On the day of the funeral, the friends were there again showing their support and care.

Three months later, most of Mary’s friends had gone on with their lives.Mary doesn’t blame them. She knows they did all they could for her when she was struggling. She knew they had sacrifi ced to give to her.

While Mary knows her mother is in Heaven, she misses her deeply. Mary is walking through the dark valley now. She will come out on the other side hand in hand with the Shepherd of her soul, Jesus, but for the moment she feels pretty alone.

No matter how much friends help us, it is only our Shepherd Who goes through the valley with us. Only the Lord Jesus really understands.

When Jesus hung on the cross, He said, “My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?” for at that moment, God had turned His back on His own Son as He took the sins of the world. Jesus was willing to be alone so that we would never have to be.

Remember that though you walk through the valley of the shadow of death, you aren’t alone. Your Shepherd walks with you.

Today's Quote:  In times of affliction, we commonly meet the sweetest experiences of the love of God.