But immediately he spoke to them and said, ‘Take heart, it is I. Do not be afraid.’ – Mark 6:50
Christians often only want to have the mountaintop experiences with the Lord. Yet as with sheep management so it is with God’s people, the best route to higher ground only comes by climbing up through the valleys.
The shepherd leads his flock gently, but persistently, up these paths that wind through the dark valleys. Inside they are scarred by deep ravines and gorges. That means it is the well-watered route with rivers, streams, springs and quiet pools with refreshment for the sheep. The choicest meadows and best forage are also in these valleys along the stream banks. The shepherd also keeps an eye out for any dangerous situations. He knows that predators like coyotes, bears, wolves or cougars can take cover in these broken cliffs and prey on his flock. There could be rockslides, mud or snow avalanches that would destroy his sheep. But despite these hazards, he knows this is the best way to take his flock to the high country. Most of all, he never leaves them alone.
Too many people are easily shaken, frightened and panicked by the storms of life. But the disappointments, frustrations, discouragements and fears you experience do not need to be disasters. As you trust in the Good Shepherd to lead you, those experiences can be your road to higher ground with Him. And when you walk through life’s dark valleys without fear and your confidence in Christ, you will encourage and inspire others to do the same. As you do, pray that the church chooses to embrace faith over fear whenever uncertainty in this nation arises.
Today’s Verse: Mark 6:50
for they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Luke 12:22-34
22 And he said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. 23 For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. 24 Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! 25 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? 26 If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest? 27 Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 28 But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! 29 And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. 30 For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31 Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you.
32 “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
