Following Our Good Shepherd

Nov 9 – Nov 15

He Understands

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  11/13/20

No one escapes difficulty. It is a part of living in a fallen world, but we do not have to live with feelings of defeat, discouragement, and criticism.

One of the hardest lessons we will ever learn is how to take a negative situation and turn it into a positive one. In Psalm 23, King David reminds us that it is all a matter of faith and perspective. He writes, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me” (v.4).

You may be thinking, “But you don’t know my circumstances. There is no way for you to understand the pressure I feel or the discouragement that plagues my heart.” While we can’t truly know or understand the hurt another person may be experiencing, we do know that there is one person who understands perfectly, and He is Jesus Christ.

He was rejected, betrayed, criticized, and crucified. If you are looking for someone to identify with the pain that you are feeling, do what David did—look up and realize there is someone who is walking through the valley with you. No matter how dark life becomes, Christ will lead you on to victory.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for Your mercy and love that sent Jesus—the Son of God—to walk this earth and know the struggles of life in a fallen world. It gives me comfort to know that You understand and lived perfectly for Your glory and to secure my salvation. May I place all my anxieties at Your feet and trust You in all things. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).