Daily Devotional Message from Reverend Mary White
He leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul …
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil;
for you are with me…
– Psalm 23:2–3,4
Fear is often used as a weapon to maintain power by creating division and hate; all that seems most beautiful and precious in our world is threatened; the powers are more swayed by money and maintaining privilege than by the lives of those most affected by their decisions.
There are countless people who exist in the darkest places of the world. The woman struggling to maintain a family life in the midst of a city devastated by war. The family struggling to keep going through never-ending poverty and mental illness. The Palestinian going to harvest his olives and watching as the ancient silvery trees are ripped out of his land.
And in the dark valleys of fear: words to strengthen and sustain those speaking truth to power, those confronting all the forces of destruction, those working to challenge and heal bitter divisions. ‘I fear no evil; for you are with me.’
Even knowing the odds are so stacked against you and your cause, recognising your smallness against those vast forces and overwhelming power, you have something to cling to in the darkest times: the awareness of still waters, of quiet and peace, coexisting with the dark valleys.
In the darkness and desolation as we walk through this time of Lent, the words of Psalm 23 are something to hold on to. Something to restore the soul, bringing refreshment and new life.
Reflective Questions
Amidst the anxious confusion of today, in our own darkest valleys of fear, grief, despair and loss, how do you hold to the certainty of God’s presence sustaining you?”
Excerpt From: Neil Paynter. “In Love With the Life of Life.”
Keep safe, Keep connected.
Blessings and the strength of Love be with you.
Rev. Mary