Scripture: Psalm 23:4
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff— they comfort me

Thought for the Day: This might be the best known verse in all of scripture. People have offered these words in the hospital room, at the grave side, and in many other dark periods of life. The first three verses refer to God in the third person, but in this fourth verse, an interesting transition occurs as the Psalmist moves from speaking about God -to- speaking with God. There are times when theological conversations require us to refer to God in the 3rd person, but when shadows of fear and uncertainty descend upon our lives, most of us would rather speak directly with God.

In light of tonight’s concert at Cypress Creek Christian Church to raise awareness about the trafficking of children (6:30pm in the Centrum), we must be mindful of all human beings, young and old, who are trapped by the system of modern day slavery. These are individuals who know a darkness that is unimaginable to most of us. In the midst of their nightmarish valley, we can pray that they feel God’s presence walking with them. At the same time, let us listen clearly for the divine voice beckoning us to do something about it.  At the 9:30 service last Sunday, we sang the Matthew West song Do Something that includes the words:

Well, I just couldn’t bear the thought of
People living in poverty
Children sold into slavery
The thought disgusted me
So, I shook my fist at Heaven
Said, “God, why don’t You do something?”
God said, “I did, I created you”

This is the great divine – human partnership. God promises to walk with those in the darkness and empower those in the light to do something about the darkness. The time is now!! Let’s bring the light of Christ to the valley!!

Prayer: O God of comfort and compassion, walk with my sisters and brothers when life seems bleak and hopeless. Encourage them…while letting my commitment to bring light to the darkness also provide hope for them. It might be my voice or hands or feet that reveal the light, but it is ultimately your light that will cast out all darkness. Amen.

 

This Morning

8:15, 9:30 and 11:00

 

 

Children’s Spring Musical
5:30pm

In the Forum

 

And then at 6:30pm