Perhaps you have have heard the song by Rodney Atkins "If You're Going Through Hell" The first lines are these.......

"Well you know those times
When you feel like there's a sign there on your back
Says I don't mind if ya kick me
Seems like everybody has
Things go from bad to worse
You'd think they can't get worse than that
And then they do

You step off the straight and narrow

And you don't know where you are

Use the needle of your compass

To sew up your broken heart

Ask directions from a genie

In a bottle of Jim Beam

And she lies to you "

I think we all can identify with what that . We've all heard Psalm 23. Do you remember the part that says " even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil, for you are with me". David, the writer, knew that in the darkest times, even when his life hung in the balance, he could count on God to see him through. He was not alone, not ever.

Notice that the verse doesn't say, "though I tippee-toe around the  valley of the shadow of death, or "though I stand on a hill and look over  the valley of the shadow of death". God acknowledges that we will have hard times on this earth. And surely, we do.

We all know the feeling of helplessness, especially right now with economic times as they are. Some of us have lost jobs, are in the middle of fighting illness, or have pressures at home or work that make us feel like the world is caving in around us. It is during these times that we need more than ever to put our worries and cares into the hands of our maker, Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 5:7 says, "Cast all your anxieties upon Him for He cares for you." It sounds simple, right? Perhaps the simple answer is the best. Give Jesus your anxieties, fears and problems and then just follow Him as He leads you through your valley of shadows.

Dancing with joy until the Lord returns.

Kevin