“Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I need! He lets me rest in the meadow grass and leads me beside the quiet streams. He gives me new strength. He helps me do what honors him the most. Even when walking through the dark valley of death I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me, guarding, guiding all the way. You provide delicious food for me in the presence of my enemies. You have welcomed me as your guest; blessings overflow! Your goodness and unfailing kindness shall be with me all of my life, and afterwards I will live with you forever in your home.” ({Psalm 100 The Living Bible)
In my corporate travels to Boston, on multiple trips, I drove through the Ted Williams tunnel. This cross- water tunnel is under the Boston Harbor. Leaving the airport either by limo or rental car, to get to my destination I had to go through on more than one occasion. On my first experience going through the tunnel, to be honest, I was a little fearful being underwater, inasmuch as it was dark, lit up only by lighting installed in the tunnel. Thank God there was some light. There were cars weaving in and out, causing danger, from my point of view, disregarding signage that said, “Do not change lanes.” Therefore, on the return trip, you would have to stay very alert to stay in the lane that would let you exit to the airport for a timely departure. Sometimes I did not know what to expect, but that did not change anything, I had to experience “the going through.”
All of us are going through something during the holidays. We could be going through memories of Christmas past, good and bad. We could be going through the economic challenges of Christmas. We could be going through a time where we are alienated from family, not by choice, but by a pandemic that has become a “sad-demic.” Still others may be going through some medical issues. Some are going through a relationship or family issue. Some are going through a relocation or a job change. There are individuals going through “the going through” as they are recovering from some type of bad habit, or let’s call it what it truly is; an addiction. The aging process itself puts us through the process of “the going through.”
How do we make it through “the going through?” I suggest that you take confidence that the Lord will see you through. Even though we would prefer not to go through “the going through,” be comforted by the fact that the Lord is your Shepherd. Be reassured that whatever our experience shall be as believers, those called for God’s purpose, everything will be alright. And be assured that nothing can separate you from the love of God in Christ Jesus. Things will work out for good.
Stay God-conscious during this holiday season! Stay in your lane, that narrow path of righteousness. Stay in the habit of looking to the hills from whence commeth our help. Our help comes from the Lord. Be of good cheer during “the going through.” Have a good day, slow down enough to give thanks to the Lord in advance for seeing you through and pause to petition Him to keep your spirits high. Trust in the Lord! Don’t worry about the darkness surrounding you. You have a light that will shine on you. Stay faithful! Be blessed!
“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12 NIV)
Still committed to the climb,
Mark L. King