Getting Through the Darkness

Reflection:

We've all been through dark and scary moments in our lives - times when maybe the only way to get through is to close our eyes and hope it's all over soon. It's times like these when people of faith often find themselves praying the hardest.  What is your go-to prayer when you are going through the times that are the darkest?

This week we will consider Psalm 23 as the perfect prayer for the dark and scary times.  We are used to hearing this Psalm as part of a funeral service and a word of comfort when facing death.  But may I suggest that Psalm 23 is indeed a prayer for this life.  It is a reminder of who we follow all the days of our lives: The Good Shepherd - Jesus Christ.

Read the Psalm several times over.  How might you live into a "Psalm 23-life?" Let's pray it together in a new and fresh way.

Questions for Reflection

What does it mean to lay down our lives for one another (1 John 3:16)? Think about people who have been “good shepherds” for you, sharing the love and showing the way of Jesus Christ. Who has helped to lead you in right paths or walked with you in dark valleys? Who has given you comfort and calmed your fears? Who has shown you hospitality and grace, making a place at the table for you, even when you felt surrounded by enemies? How have you done these things for others?