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Security Needs Ps.23:4 “ Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, I fear no evil; for you are with me, you are close beside me... ” [NRSV & NLT] Sometimes, the path the Shepherd takes his sheep leads through valleys so deep that sunlight is blocked out. At such times, the sheep are not sure if the shepherd is delivering them or destroying them. We sometimes feel like this when we question: is God delivering me or destroying me? Sometimes it takes the storms of life to drive us closer to God. However, why will we not be afraid? David says, “I will not be afraid, I fear no evil; for you are with me, you are close beside me…” The Presence of God is the KEY to Security. “Safety is not the absence of danger. Safety is in the presence of the Lord.” Having the Lord as your Shepherd means He is more than enough to meet your security needs. Ps.23:4 “…Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.” [NLT] Every shepherd carries a “rod” & a “staff”. A rod is a tool of power. The staff is a tool of grace. The rod is to deliver the sheep from the enemy, and the staff is to deliver the sheep from itself. We need both. Pray for yourself, your children [even those yet unborn], and for the Church of Jesus Christ. Say, “Father, even though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we will not be afraid, we will fear no evil; not because we are strong, intelligent, wise or gifted but because You are with us, Your rod and Your staff protect and comfort us. I pray that Your presence will be real and tangible in our lives in the Mighty Name of Jesus. Let your presence and your glory intensify and be tangible with us.” As you sing this Hymn, bring all your security needs to mind and focus your heart on the Good Shepherd, the shepherd of your soul. Make it your declaration that the Lord is my shepherd, and I am His sheep, I will hear His voice, and I will follow His leading. Shepherd of my soul I give you full control, Wherever You may lead I will foll-ow. I have made the choice to listen for Your vo-ice, Wherever You may lead I will go. Be it in a quiet pasture or by a gentle stream, The Shepherd of my soul is by my side. Should I face a mighty mountain or a valley dark and deep, The Shepherd of my soul will be my guide. Shepherd of my soul Oh You have made me whole, Where’er I hear You call how my tea-ars flow. How I feel your love how I want to se-rve I gladly give my heart to You O – Lord. Be it in the flowing river or in the quiet night, The Shepherd of my soul is by my side. Should I face the stormy weather or the dangers of this world. The Shepherd of my soul will be my guide.