Before I take to write a devotion, I asked the Lord to give me something to say. If He does not give me anything, I do not provide a devotion. He gave me something so simple yet profound, if we really think about it.

I was thinking of all the craziness in the world and how things are happening everywhere. I then began to think about how, through the course of my life, God was there. He covered me. He shielded me. He protected me. He was a place of refuge. I am certain that if you stop and reflect for a moment on all the places you’ve gone, things you’ve done, without thought, you too can say: “There is NOBODY like God, our Father.”

My mind then began drifting back on the things happening in the country: terrorism, threats of war, natural disasters, children missing, people robbing others without regard for life, schools threatened by bomb scares –and honey…I haven’t even gotten to my own on personal battles.

But then God reminded me of this scripture – oh Father I thank you!

Psalm 23:4 (NKJV)
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.

• I can understand being fearful, if I had to walk through the valley alone.
• I could understand being afraid if I had no comforter.
• I could understand being frightened if the person who was with me was just as afraid as me.

But oh my God!!! We do not have to fear the darkness of the night. We don’t have to fear the evil that we see as we ride up and down the streets of our cities because God HIMSELF is with us.

It is an oxymoron to have fear and the Spirit of the living God with you – at the same time. The two contradict one another.

By no means will I place myself in harm’s way; but I do recognize that if an issue arises and I am placed in not so good circumstances, My Father, will comfort and keep me. He will reassure me that He has me and that I will be fine.

Then the word of God says, not only does He have the power to keep me and to protect me, but also, He will feed me in the midst of my enemies. In the midst of the storm, as children of the most High God and Jesus as our Savior, we can sit down at this table and dine with confidence, knowing that we will eat with perfect security. Honey…I call that favor!

As we begin our week, let us remember who is in control. Let us truly learn who we say that we are representatives of. When things seem to be out of order and out of place, recognize that the Lord is setting things in order. He is ordaining something special just for you, amidst the same people who expected you to fall or to succumb to the negative circumstances presented to you through life. Oh My God – even while in the midst of the attack, God is still providing – just so your enemy knows who is fighting for you.

Exodus 14:14 (NKJV)
The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.

God is not afraid of anything; and since He is with us, neither should we be. When faced with challenges this week, say with strong conviction:

He is with me…
He is with me…
God is with ME!