“Even 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.” Psalm 23:4 (NIV)

As a little girl, I had nightmares, vivid dreams so disturbing I can
remember them to this day. On more than one occasion, I\’d climb out of
bed, and sleepwalk and talk trying my best to rid myself of the images
playing in my head.

My mother would hear me bumping and stumbling around in my room and
she\’d come to my rescue. Usually when she turned on the light, I\’d wake
up. But a couple of times, I didn\’t believe she really stood there. I
didn\’t recognize her. Only her persistent voice saying, “Donna, it\’s
me. I\’m right here” awakened me and gave me comfort.

Are you stumbling around in life? Do you need to be rescued? Sometimes
events cause us to feel as if our life is a bad dream. It\’s during
those times you may feel as if God isn\’t really there.

In Matthew 14, we read how the disciples got into a boat without Jesus
who went up on a mountainside to pray. After night fell, Jesus walked
on the water out to the boat. Isn\’t that amazing? But the disciples
didn\’t recognize Him.

Then Jesus said, “It is I. Don\’t be afraid.” (Vs. 27 NIV)

ust like my mom\’s presence alleviated my fear and calmed me, Jesus\’
presence brought peace and comfort to the anxious disciples.

Paul told the believers in Philippi, “Do not be anxious about anything,
but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present
your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all
understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
(Philippians 4:6-7 NIV)

How do you ‘present a request to God\’? You cry out to Him. I\’m thankful
that when I cry out in the midst of the storms of life, God comforts
me. Is your life in turmoil? Cry out to God. He brings a peace that
transcends all understanding to His children.

Prayer: Lord, I praise You for the promise that when I called
upon Your name, You saved me. Thank You for peace and the comfort of
the Holy Spirit. In Jesus\’ Name I pray, Amen.

Donna Shepherd Inspirational Writer

Children's author and inspirational writer, Donna J. Shepherd, looks at everyday life and finds God's fingerprints everywhere. From bird watching to the Beatitudes, Donna's writing touches the heart with wisdom and humor while feeding the mind with daily portions of God's Word.

She is currently a columnist for The Dabbling Mum and a staff poet for The Inspiration Station. Her articles and poetry have appeared in Reminisce Extra, Just Between Us, Guideposts for Kids, Penwomanship, Sisters in the Lord, and many more. Her devotionals appear in Daily Grace for Women, Devotional Reflections to Nourish Your Soul (Honor Books), and Anytime Prayers for Everyday Moms (Warner Books).