COMFORT FROM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD
Jenna Worsham
Today’s Scripture: “Even 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. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.” Psalm 23:4-5, ESV
Theme: We can have confidence because the Shepherd comforts us.
DARKNESS
Cove Global recently took a team, which included me, to South Africa. Most of the interaction with our sponsored children and The Cove Church SA was beautiful and encouraging. Yet I also learned that in the village, some native people practice Muthi, a traditional healing and seeing practice. It's scary, and it has both physical and spiritual consequences. The huts dedicated to this practice are behind many family homes. To be fair, some are not in use. Yet seeing the evidence of a disturbing practice of misplaced worship was sobering.
LIGHT OVERCOMES DARKNESS
Seeing poverty and spiritual darkness hurts. Yet cutting through the darkness, the Church (made of God’s people) is a beacon of light. The love, the big hugs, the teamwork, and exuberant celebration of worship shine brightly, showing the Holy Spirit in us. He is able to cut through the darkness.
Personally, I don’t have a solution to completely eradicate the destructive spiritual practices there or the ones I am more desensitized to here at home. However, we can have confidence that Jesus does, because He faced the shadow of death and overcame it. We can have confidence because Jesus, the Shepherd, comforts us. We can welcome the Holy Spirit and celebrate as, “You anoint my head with oil, my cup overflows.”
Make It Personal: What shadow or spiritual darkness threatens or frightens you? Invite the Shepherd to comfort you. Invite the Holy Spirit to shine brightly inside of you in the middle of whatever feels dark. He defeated death, sin, and the grave. He can break the hold of the shadow that plagues me and you.
Pray: Dear Father, You are not afraid of the dark. You don’t fear or faint when faced with evil, suffering, or death. Because of Your great love and great strength, I don’t have to be afraid anymore. Help me to trust You. Help me to shine brightly because of Your Holy Spirit inside me. Thank You for the Church, a beacon of light. Thank You for being the Light of the world. Amen.
Read: John 8:12; Matthew 5:14; Psalm 18:28; Psalm 139:12; Isaiah 66:13
Weekly Memory Verse: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” John 10:10-11, ESV