Though I Walk

I think one of humanity’s favorite things to do is jump in the car and immediately turn on the radio.

It’s something that has been done for decades. Whether it was the ’50s and The Beatles blared, or it is the 90’s and Spice Girls came on and you were immediately one sassy pop star in front of millions of people. I know that I do it too! If I need a good “pump up” song for my day, I am going to turn on some Bon Jovi, maybe even some early 2000s. If I want to focus and need clarity on a situation, Elevation Worship is my go-to. If I want to roll down the windows and enjoy the car ride, ‘NEEDTOBREATHE’ all the way. I will sing, dance, and even pray, (maybe not to Bon Jovi), but music can inspire, uplift, and breathe new life. The best is when the music is prophetic and pulls you into the bible without even realizing it, and it doesn’t even have to be worship music.

Let us look at one of Ben. E. King’s song “Stand By Me.” The first part is: “When the night has come. And the land is dark – and the moon is the only light we’ll see. No, I won’t be afraid. Oh, I won’t be afraid. Just as long as you stand, stand by me.”

Simple but powerful, right? Now let’s look at Psalms 23:1-4:

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness. For His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil; For you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (emphasis added)

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The Lord wants to stand with you, by you, in front of you. He will be your Shield and your Protector.

What Ben King wrote as a love song is timeless. Yet, what the bible says, is truth. God is always with us. It is so easy to think of the world as separate from us, especially today when we are told to be divided. However, God can use anything to bring his people closer to Him. Even if it is just a car ride jam session going down Center Street. God wants to see you living in joy but bringing prayer and praise and joy to Him as well. He has this ability to connect with you in whatever moment you are experiencing. When you feel that connection, that urge to pray, praise, or even fall silent before Him, lean into that connection with God before the world or whatever is around tries to pull you out of it.

God is always there, waiting to connect with you.

Today, this blog will be different. It’s ending in prayer, so whatever you’re going through, be still in this moment. Focus on your breathing, open your palms towards heaven and sit, stand, whatever feels best.

Now, pray this, “Lord, stand by me. Today, tomorrow, and the days after. In the darkest of moments, be the Light I need to see. Help me to not be afraid, and remind me that your rod and staff will guide me. Give me the courage to understand the moment is just a moment but, you are far greater. Lord, as long as you stand by me, no death or evil shall overtake me. No anger will kill me, and no words will come against me. I don’t have to fear evil because you are here, right next to me. Thank you for always being with me. You are Emmanuel - God with us. Thank you for that promise. In your name we pray, Amen.”