Still Held In The Hard Places - May 24, 2025

Scripture:
“Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for You are close beside me. Your rod and Your staff protect and comfort me.”
— Psalm 23:4 (NLT)

Devotional:
There are some seasons where the weight feels unbearable.
You’re not just tired, you’re stretched.
Not just uncertain, but breaking in places you can’t explain out loud.
You’re smiling in public while silently praying for relief.

And the hardest part? You’re trying to stay faithful while it still hurts.

But even now God is close.
You’re not walking through this valley alone.
Even when everything around you feels empty, He has not left you.
Even when prayers seem delayed, He’s still listening.

Psalm 23:4 doesn’t say you’ll avoid the valley, but it promises that even there, you will not be afraid.
Why? Because He is with you.

And His presence is not based on feelings, it’s rooted in covenant.
He’s not just a God of breakthroughs.
He’s the God who walks beside you until the breakthrough comes.

So if you feel overwhelmed, under-supported, or invisible today, know this:
God sees you. He’s keeping you. And He’s already preparing what you need, even if it hasn’t shown up yet.

Reflection/Challenge:
Let today be the day you stop trying to figure it all out.
Lay it down.
Take a deep breath.
And remind yourself:

“Even here… God is still holding me.”

Prayer:
Father God In the Name of Jesus. Thank You for this day. Thank You for this moment. Thank You for All You’ve done in my life. You are the ONE who holds my life together and everything in it. Lord,
You know exactly what I’m walking through, and I thank You that I don’t have to walk through it alone.
Even when it feels heavy, help me remember that You are near.
You see what I need. You know what’s missing. And You care about what I can’t carry anymore.
Be my strength.
Be my help.
Be my Provider.
Remind me that the valley is not the end, it’s just where You meet me differently.
I choose to trust You here, too.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.