You are with me

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TODAY’S SPECIAL: Psalm 23:1-6

TO CHEW ON: "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me…” Psalm 23:4


“The key to provision is the presence of God,” the writer of my Bible’s study notes reminds us  (K. R. Iverson, New Spirit-Filled Life Bible, p. 703).

Indeed, we want God with us in the most extreme hour of life—“the valley of the shadow of death.” But thank God, He is with us in so many other less trying situations as well:

1. He is with us wherever we go—as He promised to be with Jacob and Joshua - Genesis 28:15; 31:3; Joshua 1:9.

2. He is with us all the time - Psalm 139:18.

3. He is with us when we’re given a big assignment, as Moses and Joshua discovered - Exodus 3:12; Joshua 1:5-9.

4. He reveals the road ahead to us - Psalm 16:11.

5. He is with us through the hard times - Isaiah 43:2; Psalm 23:4 (our focus verse).

6. His presence allows us to relax - Exodus 33:14.

7. He is with us through His word - Joshua 1:8,9.

8. He lives among His people. He lived among the Israelites (Exodus 29:45) and gives the prophetic promise:

“‘…behold I am coming and I will dwell in your midst’ says the Lord” - Zechariah 2:10.

9. His indwelling Spirit within us equips us with power and everything we need to fulfill our purpose here on earth - Acts 1:8.

Reminding ourselves of God’s presence all the time, everywhere, and in every situation, practicing it, as in talking to Him throughout the day (prayer), singing songs (worship and praise), keeping short accounts (repentance—“Sorry Lord, I blew it there!”), catching and responding to His signals (fulfilling our purpose as witnesses) is key. It is what we can do now to be in His presence when times are good. We don’t have to save the reassurance and comfort of His presence for the “valley of the shadow of death.”

PRAYER: Dear Father, thank You for Your presence in my life in these many ways. Help me to acknowledge You in the good times and not wait for a desperate time to turn to You. Amen.

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Unless otherwise noted all Scripture quotations are taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.