He Leads Me: To a Life Overflowing

Psalm 23.

A powerful, encouraging, and beautiful promise from our Shepherd. He promises to lead us no matter what. That He will be with us even through the darkest valleys, and in the green pastures while we rest.

"The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want"-Psalm 23:1, has been on my heart and mind for weeks now. I have had so many things that God has been trying to say to me through this. I started reading "At The Table with Jesus" by Louie Giglio, as well as "Don't Give the Enemy a Seat at Your Table" also by Louie Giglio. I've been hearing songs, seeing that verse, and even events I've recently gone to or sermons I've listened to, the topic has been about Psalm 23. Like, okay God I hear you! I can't even begin to express my gratitude towards my Father. The unbelievable amount of love and grace that He shows me is something that none of us deserve, but if we all allow Him in, it's ours to have. Isn't that such a beautiful thing? I think back to the time before I had Jesus in my heart, and I don't even know how I got through things in life without Him by my side before. I definitely didn't have as much grace or compassion, I can tell you that. I struggled with my anger all my life. My first response most times when someone offended me was to immediately react, and use words that I knew were laced with venom sometimes. The greatest thing I could have ever done in my life is accepting Jesus as my Lord and Savior.

There has been so much growth in my faith and spiritually in the past year. I started going to my church on September 24, 2023. I went in alone, and left with my Shepherd always guiding me ever since. I will never forget people telling me "You'll just move on after a while, this is jut a phase." I knew deep in my soul that I'd never move on from this. How could I ever walk away or move on from a love so deep and a peace so calm, that I've never experienced before in my life? I had someone come in while I was at the darkest point in my life, verbally stating how much I hated myself, and scoop me up into His arms, washing away all of that self hate, all of that anger, all of the doubts and hurt I had in my heart and replacing it with love, peace, joy, hope, and a longing to do nothing but to strengthen the relationship with the person who walked away from the 99 to come get ME, the 1. I will be grateful all of the days of my life. I pray all the time that my children will know and love Jesus how I've come to. I know I can't change their testimonies, but I pray that with me coming to God, breaking generational curses, growing my faith, and sharing the love of Jesus Christ, that it may be a little bit easier for them to come back to their Shepherd if and when they go astray as they grow older.

Heavenly Father, I come to You with such adoration. There is no love that compares to Yours, and I am so thankful and happy that I get to have you in my corner. I pray that anyone who reads this finds the peace they are searching for in their life, I ask that you speak to them in a way that will draw them in near to You. For me, it was a Facebook post that started it all. God I know that words can make a difference, Your Word makes a difference. Your Truth. If anyone has steered away, I ask that you use your Shepherds hook and bring them back to you. Everyone should know your love and your goodness and mercy. You are Jehovah Jireh, I know You want Your children to come to You. You will provide. Thank you for being such a gracious Father, I love you so very much. In Jesus mighty, and precious name I pray, Amen.