Forever Home in the Eternal Family of God

A Daily Devotional by Kenton Cheek

15 May 2024

Reading From Psalms 3-4, 12-13, 28, 55

“But you, Lord, are a shield around me,
    my glory, the One who lifts my head high.
I call out to the Lord,
    and he answers me from his holy mountain.”

–Psalm 3:3-4

     There have been seasons of my life when I have struggled with severe depression.  I am grateful that I formed a strong bond with God at a very early age and for as long as I can remember I have believed the Bible to be the Word of God.  Through bad times and good ones too I have continually looked to the promises of the Most High God. 

Part of what is so wonderful about having a written record of God’s love and faithfulness is that in all these thousands of years His Word has never wavered.  Yahweh keeps His promises.  When I wander through the darkest valley, His light still shines brightly.  My struggles don’t change His character. My circumstances don’t have any effect on the validity, constancy, and power of everything He has said and inspired the prophets of old to write. I can turn to His love letters and find renewed strength, eternal perspective, practical wisdom, and shining hope for the future. 

“Lord, I pray that even when my head is hung down in shame or depression or whatever causes my sorrow, I will enter Your Presence through worship and experience Your joy once more.  Thank You that I have perpetual access to Your throne of grace.  It is there with You that You speak words of love, wisdom, and peace.  Everything about You lifts my head and restores my soul.  I am grateful for You, God.  Amen.”

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. –Psalm 23:3-4