The unexpected journey: the journey continues

One of the commitments that we have made while on this journey is to be honest with our children about were we are; what we are going through. The reason is to be open about our trust in the Father’s willingness to take care of us. It may not be in the way we would like to be taken care of, but we are secure in Him nonetheless. About two weeks ago I had a sense that things were about to change—for the better. I have learned to qualify that whole “change” thing. Not all change is for the better. It may be a necessary path to travel in order to discover the “better” the Lord intended; but going through it is neither fun nor welcomed—just necessary. This past week three events took place that indicated that the change is upon us. It isn’t time to divulge what those events were but it involved my traveling. The day after I returned I called a family meeting to discuss the events and celebrate the small victories that occurred. Together we discussed some next-step idea’s that we may want to take. What I found encouraging about this meeting is the fact that as a family we were able to both celebrate to little things while look forward to possible outcomes that lie ahead of us. The words of the Psalmist David come to mind as I reflect on this. I suppose it is because of my upbringing that I hear these words in the King James English echoing in my mind. “Yea though I walk threw the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me,” they boom like a megaphone inside my head. This valley actually exists and acquired its name because of the many thieves and robbers who used it. This is the place that Jesus referred in the story of the Good Samaritan. I think this portion of Old Testament scripture is important because David knew something about heartache and hard times. He also knew his God who was walking with him through all of it. This is important to me for two reasons. First David was not some talented writer who could stir the emotions with his words but not with his experiences. David lived it. Secondly David wrote about it—all of it—the good, the bad, the ugly. The reason he did is certainly not known, but what is, is that he knew his God—and God always came through. This raises a question. What do you do when it doesn’t look like ANYTHING positive is happening? The valley of the shadow of death was a dreaded place. Danger lurked there for everyone who passed through it. However you had to pass through it if you were going to get to your destination. David did this knowing that the Lord was with him. Resting in His trust means going through whatever is in front of you because He is with you; whether you feel him, see him, see sense or not. If necessary it means closing your eyes while you are slowing taking baby steps forward and reciting, “Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me!” This is what separates those who have the ability to tickle the emotions with words verses those who have walked through it and turn back—as David does—to encourage you to do it to. The Lord is with me—as well as with my family. He will show himself alive. He will not leave me, nor will he forsake me. He will honor his word and be faithful to the blood covenant that his son, my savior/redeemer Jesus has allowed me to enter into. I/we/you really can walk through the valley of the shadow of death because HE really is with me. I can rest in that trust.