Monday, April 12, 2010

Dear Friend of YANA Ministries!

Have you ever walked through the valley of the shadow of death? This is a deep valley that surrounds you with ominous thoughts. Despair, fear, and frustration nag at you. There is no hope there. There is defeat there. You walk slowly because your feet drag. You force one foot in front of the other but you don't know why. Your destination is oblivion. Your path is shrouded in murky air. Your head is down. Your eyes are half-closed, swollen from and with your tears. Your heart is heavy. Pain ripples through it as thoughts race across your mind.

STOP! LISTEN TO HIS WORD: "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).

Yes, if you are a child of God, He is with you even in the deepest, darkest places. But you must stop and listen. You must look up. You must seek His light. Sometimes all it takes is a heart cry - FATHER! HELP ME!

Where you walk is your choice - in darkness or in light!

Let us pray together: Heavenly Father! You bless those who do not walk in the counsel of the wicked! You bless those who do not stand in the path of sinners! You bless those who do not sit in the seat of scoffers! (Psalm 1:1) These are the ones who do not dawdle in dark places! These are the ones who notice the darkness closing in and quickly cry out to You, Lord! Make our minds quick and our feet nimble so that we can flee the darkness! Let despair and dismay find no home in our hearts! May our delight be in Your law! And in Your law may we meditate day and night! (Psalm 1:2) For as we draw close to You, we find the relief we need for our distress! As we draw close to You, You are gracious to us and You hear our prayers! (Psalm 4:1) We run to You because You are a stronghold in times of trouble! Those who know Your name will trust in You! For You, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You! (Psalm 9:9-10) You lift us up from the gates of death, that we may tell of all Your praises (Psalm 9:13)! You are faithful and true! You are the light of the world! Thank You for Your light, O Lord! We shall seek it all the days of our lives! Be blessed,
O Holy One of Israel! Be blessed in the praise of Your people! Amen!