FEBRUARY 18, Psalm 23:4

Some children your age are stressed out and burdened with problems. Are you stressed out? Is schoolwork too heavy, or perhaps mummy and daddy are expecting a lot from you? Or perhaps, you are expecting too much of yourself? Or is there a school bully or classmates who pick on you? Perhaps you think mummy and daddy are too busy and not spending enough time with you?

All of us have difficulties. All of us have stress one time or another. So first of all, never think you are alone in having problems. Your neighbour, that top student in class, your Junior Worship teacher, they all have problems, too.

Today’s Bible verse is one that tells us troubles will come our way. Look at it again – “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4). Jesus knows we can be troubled even to the point of thinking that there is no way out. But look at the verse carefully – it is the shadow of death, not death itself.

There are times when problems seem much greater than we think we can ever cope or deal with. Especially in those times, turn to Jesus. Why? Because He promises that He will be with us during those times. Remember He is the Good Shepherd? Here we are reminded of His staff and rod will be there for us. The staff and the rod are instruments which a shepherd uses to lead and protect his sheep. The staff is a long and sturdy stick with a hook at one end. With the hooked end of the staff, the shepherd is able to lift a sheep that may have dropped into some crack between rocks. With the staff, he is also able to guide sheep which are in danger of wandering away. The rod is a short stick. The shepherd throws the rod at wild animals to scare them away. With the rod, the shepherd defends the sheep against wolves and other predators.

So, what is the lesson for me? That Jesus is always available for me, especially when troubles hit me.

Dear child, trust in the Lord. When troubles come your way, seek the Lord. He promises He will always be there, to protect and to guide!

Thought: The LORD is my Shepherd. I will not be afraid, even if troubles come.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, grant me the strength that only You can give as I face difficulties. Please help me to continue to trust in You, and to commit my problems to You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.