Psalm 23:4 | “Even when I walk through the dark valley of death, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.”

The Holy Spirit does not deliberately lead anyone into danger and suffering. He rather causes us to lie down in green pastures, and leads us beside still waters. In other words, His living word guarantees us rest, peace, and abundance.

Like the prodigal son, our lives become painful at whatever point we start to follow our own desires and agenda. Today’s text says, “even when I walk.” All the while from Psalm 23:1-3, it had been the Lord leading. Pain and suffering will be minimal as long as you make the Lord your Shepherd. Negative experiences set in whenever the Lord stops leading.

The good news is that the Holy Spirit, who is so rich in mercy, does not let your mistakes destroy you. He finds a way to restore, protect and comfort you. May His mercy speak over you today, and compel you back to His leading. May you experience His protection and comfort in every area of pain and misery.