Psalm 23:4 “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 comfortme.”
For those who may not know, my Mom transitioned May 23, 2019: our family’s first Christmas without her physical presence. I began to think of all the others who are experiencing a loss and how difficult this season can be. Thus, for today’s worship service, we took a few minutes to offer a word of encouragement for those going through a time of sadness, grief, loneliness and despair. Each member of the congregation was asked to bring a candle to light in memory of a loved one gone on to Glory. The picture above may not show the compassion and love, but it was a special moment to have those candles lit, witness the tears and the love, and hear the names called out in memory of loved ones. We just don’t know the day or the hour; however, Ecclesiastes 9:2-3 “Everyone will die someday. Death comes to godly and sinful people alike. It comes to good and bad people alike…a good person dies, and so does a sinner…Here is what is so bad about everything that happens on this earth. Death catches up with all of us” (NIRV).
But, this is a time of celebration: the birth of our Savior and King, Jesus Christ. It’s okay to mourn, cry and remember; but I believe it offends God when we focus or dwell on the absence of someone rather than focus on His presence. His name, Emmanuel, means “God with us.” We are not alone; we need not get stuck in our valley of sadness, our valley of loneliness, or our valley of grief. Psalm. 23:4 reminds us to keep walking through the valley, let God lead and guide you through this difficult time. Jesus came that you might have life and have it more abundantly (John 10:10); Jesus came that you not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16). You have to make a decision: will you dwell on what you do not have or who is no longer with you or will you praise God for another day to remember the goodness He brings, the joy of having your family, friends and children in your presence…you are entitled to enjoy life. You are allowed to have fun and celebrate this holiday season. Why? Because you have a friend in Jesus. He has promised to always be with you–through the good times, the bad times, the ugly times, the suffering and painful times, the lonely and sad times–through it all, He is right there with His arms outstretched, ready to embrace you with love, compassion, and comfort. What a mighty God we serve!
Do not waste another precious moment of life stuck in a valley; yea though I walk through–keep walking. God promises that this is just a momentary, temporary sadness. Think of that day when you and your loved one(s) will be united–that reunion in a place where there is no more sadness, no more dying, no more crying, no more loneliness. When you see Jesus face to face! Everyday will be like Sunday! We do not know the day or hour, but we cannot escape or avoid death. It is a journey we all have to take. So, prepare! Now is the time to pack your heart–with love, forgiveness, peace, joy, kindness. Make sure your heart is in the right place and ready for the journey home.
Give God His due praise: Every Praise [Hezekial Walker] You may not understand why you lost your loved one, but trust God that He is still in control and working all things to your good. He promised eternal life; not eternal death. Life in hell, or life in heaven. Now is the time to prepare for where you want to spend your destiny. Keep walking. Whatever you are going through, keep walking. Fear no evil or sadness or despair for God is with you. Keep walking through.
Merry Christmas: Happy Birthday Jesus! I love you all. Have a safe, blessed new Year. Whatever happens in 2020, whatever the challenges or obstacles you have to face, keep walking through your valley and have no fear. God is with you.
Spring Street Christian Church 