Welcome back to the next in this 2019 Advent series on God’s promise to remain with us every hour of every day.
Have you ever experienced acute physical pain without knowing its source? Or the sudden death of a beloved family member? Our brains tell us the Lord is strong, that He is reliable, but when difficult circumstances arise, we often ask, Where is God?
For years I walked through our neighborhood daily. My route crossed a small stream twice. At the first bridge, I often paused to listen as the water burbled and tumbled over the stones in its way. God seemed to call me to slow down and listen to His voice. One day I realized that at the other end of my circuit, the current made no sound at the second bridge. What was the difference?
Obstacles. At the second bridge, no obstacles interrupted the water’s flow. The riverbed had no rocks or branches impeding the passage of the stream.
Is it possible that the obstacles you and I face in life are the very events that allow us to hear God’s voice most clearly? When we are most in need of the assurance that he is near, that is the very time when his voice speaks loudest?
Psalm 23:4 offers familiar words of assurance: “Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.” God is closest to us as we walk through difficulty.
Why not read the entire psalm before you go out to face the world today?
