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Monday 17 December
Sufficient presence

Read Psalm 23
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff – they comfort me. (verse 4)

I learned Psalm 23 as a child. It is certainly one of the most beloved to me. It provides me with a vision of a God who is able to meet all my needs. In times of sorrow, it gives me encouragement and courage; it enables me to see beyond my doubts to a God who walks with me in the darkest moments of my life. He is the comforting shepherd, who loves and cares for you and me. This psalm draws us to an ever-present God, who as shepherd embraces every sheep in his thoughts, as well as in every changing scene of life. Whether we are going through the darkest valley or the valley of the shadow of death, God is with us. His presence with us is real, recognisably continuous, and evidently sufficient in the face of death!

Death is one human mystery which causes fear in many. This psalm points us to the Lord, who by offering his life in death on Calvary’s cross is able to take away all our fears and shepherd us through the valley of death to the valley of everlasting life. His presence with us is symbolised by his ‘rod and staff’, which physically is one item. A ‘rod’, a club, is at one end to protect the sheep and at the other end is a ‘staff’, a hook, which gives comfort to the shepherd. I will die my own death without fear, ‘for you are with me’. I am assured that the incarnate God, who came to save you and me, will never leave nor forsake us!

† O Lord our God, we thank you for your presence with us in all circumstances of our life. Amen