14 day plan

Are We There Yet? Part Two

Day 7 of 14

NIV

Psalms 23:4

4Even 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.

Reflection:  God’s Presence

The trouble with surviving cancer for so long is that I have become addicted to living. This might reasonably be thought to be a good thing. But there is something beautiful about being with God near the door to death. He comes close. So when I retreat from death’s door and busy myself with the tasks of life, I miss that intimacy.

Let me hasten to say that I believe that the tasks I do (usually writing) are as God-given as anything else – but nonetheless, that deeply intimate place near death is pretty special.

Promise me this: don’t let fear of death rob you of your enjoyment of God’s presence. The enemy seeks to sow fear, whereas God wants to give you hope. So, choose wisely when deciding which voice you listen to.

Sit with God. Picture his beauty…and keep quiet.

Prayer:  Dear Father, I’m not very good at dying, and I’m not very brave. I therefore try and distract myself with tasks. But tasks are no substitute for you, and I miss the times of intimacy we used to enjoy. Lord, I want to come back to you. Amen.

 

Psalms 23:1-6

Psalm 23

A psalm of David.

1The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.

2He makes me lie down in green pastures,

he leads me beside quiet waters,

3he refreshes my soul.

He guides me along the right paths

for his name’s sake.

4Even 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.

5You prepare a table before me

in the presence of my enemies.

You anoint my head with oil;

my cup overflows.

6Surely your goodness and love will follow me

all the days of my life,

and I will dwell in the house of the Lord

forever.