Walking the Valley

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me Psalms 23:4 NKJV

It is far sweeter to talk about passing through the valley of the shadow than it is to walk it. But it is also far sweeter to experience God’s presence in the dark valleys than it is to just talk it…

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There He Goes

As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us Psalms 103:12

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Have you ever struggled to forgive someone? I did! First I complained about the offense till God reminded me of my own sins. Ashamed of myself I I did truly forgive. But then came those pesky times when I would see him and then I would turn my head or force a smile. But then one day it struck me that God’s forgiveness worked in quite a different way. He saw my sin, freely forgave and then was delighted every time we met. He has not yet looked away nor forced a smile. Instead He has not only forgotten my offense He has loved me ever since as His dearest friend!

And Can it Be?

And can it be that even on our darkest days when we face our most difficult people God is giving us opportunity to show mercy? Maybe He leads us through the valley of the shadow so that we can learn to forgive even there. A bit further on and on sunnier days we may discover how merciful and forgiving He has been to us when we were most dark and difficult with others.

Blessed are the merciful for they shall receive mercy  Matthew 5:7

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