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Too often, we find ourselves asking God for things we want, whether it be a better job, a healthier marriage, more obedient children, or for life simply to be a little easier. But, I wonder, how often do we stop and ask God to show us His ways for us, His path for our life, and to guide us into His truth.

That is what I’m asking all of us to do today. STOP. You see, when we pause, God gives us a revelation that transforms our perspective, bringing us closer to Him. Selah positions us to hear His voice and be in His presence. We need to feel Jesus’ arms surrounding us in our collective grief.

Friend, are you walking through the dark valley these days? Are enemies surrounding you as you try to live for Jesus? I want to remind you today that Jesus is your shepherd. Life is an opportunity to get even deeper with God and for God to go deeper into your life.

Oftentimes, we look back and chuckle because we can see now that the problems regarding boyfriends or grades or drama seem trivial. But students have yet to fall into the trap of constantly downplaying their emotions and struggles. Instead, they let people into their lives. What if adults did more of that?

At the top of the mountain, we can rejoice in how far God has brought us, yet know that the journey doesn’t end there. At the top of the mountain, we are reminded that we have the victory and that God has adopted us into His royal priesthood and placed a crown of gold on our heads. At the top of the mountain, we can delight in knowing that the glory of the Lord will be revealed throughout our lives.

Who do you know today is going through the trial of a lifetime? You don't have to look very far these days to find someone who’s up against a battle that they did not choose or a battle they do not want. Feeling overwhelmed, out-numbered, and under-resourced, they do, however, have one very powerful weapon… You! A praying friend.

The ultimate goal, whether through General or Special Revelation, is that our lives will be transformed, and we will live in such a way that is pleasing to our God and a blessing to those around us.

I’ve lived long enough to learn that I absolutely have no control over anything. I can make my plans, but the Lord directs my paths. So the question is no longer if I’m in control, but under whose direction and control am I building my life?

No one likes being in someone else’s shadow. I don’t like it, and I could imagine you don’t like it either. I want to be independent, self-sufficient, and be able to show others I can do it. However, Psalm 17 actually encourages us to hide in God’s shadow.

The author of all things is intentional and specific, even to the point of placing arrows towards Jesus in the prayers of his predecessor 1000 years prior to Christ’s birth. In one of David’s deepest struggles, his prayer pointed to Jesus. Surely God can do the same for us in the good and bad of our lives.