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Your Shepherd Is By Your Side

Week 4 - Your Shepherd is By Your Side

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Text: Psalm 23:4  (ESV)

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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.

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Main Message​​​​

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• As God is leading us to green pastures, there will be times that there is no way out but to go through the valley of shadow of death.

• David also emphasized that “we walk through” and not stay permanently in the valley of shadow of death.

• Valleys are part of life’s journey. And even when they last a long time, they are still temporary.

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• For You Are With Me

  • 1 Chronicles 28:20 (ESV) - Then David said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous and do it. Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed, for the Lord God, even my God, is with you. He will not leave you or forsake you, until all the work for the service of the house of the LORD is finished.

  • As we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, recognize God’s presence, be aware of God’s movement in your life as guide you and lead you out of your valley.

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• He Comforts Us

  • God uses his rod to protect us against evil that surrounds us in the valley.

  • God’s willingness and ability to defend and protect us give us confidence to keep walking.

  • It is comforting to know that God guides us, that he was a staff ever ready to guide us or in some cases to save us.

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Reflection Questions:

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1. Ask yourself the following questions and journal your responses. Do I need to change my attitude about my valley? If so, how? 

2. What different actions or choices could I make to change my experience in the valley? 

3. What do I want my life on the other side of this valley to look like?