Christianity Oasis Forum

[Lani]

Psalm 23:1-6

1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth 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 thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth 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 for ever.



The psalmist wrote, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me.” Psalm 23:4 (KJV)




Today I visited a man who is dying. After reading Psalm 23 and John 14 at his bedside, I laid my hand on his head and prayed for him. His wife and daughter sobbed as they caressed his arm. He was unable to speak or open his eyes. The last time I had spoken with him he had confessed that he was afraid to die, so I emphasized the words of Psalm 23:4.

When we returned to the living room, his wife said, “You know, he might come out of this.”

I was surprised by her statement. She meant that he might be healed and his health restored. I was thinking his death was a forgone conclusion. I said what I believed to be true, “It’s in God’s hands.” His wife agreed

Because everything that concerns us is in God’s hands, we have hope for the future. Not only are this man’s health and healing in God’s hands; so are my family, finances, my drive to work, my future. The psalmist reminds us that all our times are in God’s hands. (See Ps. 31:15) Regardless of how good or how terrible my life may seem, no outcome is a forgone conclusion. And whatever happens, God has promised to be with us.



Prayer: Dear God, we pray for those facing seemingly impossible and hopeless circumstances. May they find hope in your love and feel your presence today. Amen

Prayer Focus of Day: Those who are terminally ill

Thought for the Day: Because God is always with us, we always have hope.

Story shared by: F Melton Jr (SC)
Source: Upper Room Daily Devotional: 9/30/11