“God does not lead His children around hardship, but leads them straight through hardship. But He leads! And amidst the hardship, He is nearer to them than ever before.” — Otto Dibelius

As I sought the presence of God, I was answered with the following scriptures. This time, I meditated on them longer than normal and realized that until I get to that point that I truly believe this way, I will always be fearful, doubtful and easily tired.

But I thank the Holy Spirit for His guidance and comfort that comes from reading, meditating and trusting God’s Word.

I share this devotional again this morning as a reminder to us all, that God indeed is our Lord and Shepherd, and we shall want nothing and we lack nothing.  Amen.

Psalm 23:1-6 NKJV 1 The LORD is my shepherd; ​​I shall not want. 2 ​​He makes me to lie down in green pastures; ​​He leads me beside the still waters. 3 ​​He restores my soul; ​​He leads me in the paths of righteousness ​​For His name’s sake. ​4 ​​Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, ​​I will fear no evil; ​​For You are with me; ​​Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. 5 ​​You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; ​​You anoint my head with oil; ​​My cup runs over. 6 ​​Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me ​​All the days of my life; ​​And I will dwell  in the house of the LORD ​​Forever.

• We shall not want for anything because God will provide all that we need.
• We shall not wander aimlessly through life, for God will lead us (if we allow Him to).
• Our lives shall not be depleted by this life, because He restores our souls.
• We live by Christ righteousness, not ours.
• We have absolutely nothing to fear, because God is ever with us
• We may feel sorrow from time to time, but God will always provide the comfort that we need, if we go to Him.
• And we never have to worry about our enemies. They will always be on the outside, watching us prosper in the grace of God.
• We have been sealed by the oil of the Holy Spirit and God’s blessings are so great, that they overflow from us to those around us.
• Goodness and mercy are ours and the greatest promise ever is ours: we will dwell with God forever!

Praise God today because we are blessed beyond our wildest imaginations.