The Shepherd is With You - Encouragement for Today - August 12, 2019

Peace and perspective from God's timeless truths. [View this email in your browser]( Encouragement for Today --------------------------------------------------------------- August 12, 2019 The Shepherd is With You [JENNIFER ROTHSCHILD]( [Listen to this devotion]( “The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.” [Psalm 23:1]( (NIV) I was terrified. I can bungee jump and manage airports and flights alone — and I’m blind! But … just let the dentist tell me I need a root canal, and oh girl, I collapse into a puddle of panic and tears. That’s what happened. When the dentist broke the news, I reacted with an unfiltered, unrehearsed, unexpected meltdown just like a 5-year-old — except worse, because I am in my 50s! So, days later, when it was finally time for the procedure, I had worked myself into a full-blown nervous wreck. Laying in the endodontist’s chair with my heart racing, I prayed. I tried to talk myself out of my unreasonable fear. But it didn’t work. When the endodontist entered the treatment room, I was covered with sweat and trying not to hyperventilate. I felt embarrassed to be so nervous and afraid. It felt silly making such a big deal out of such a little thing. No one has ever died from a root canal, for heaven’s sake! As the procedure began, with drills buzzing and my blood pressure rising, I silently quoted Scripture. “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” ([1 Peter 5:7]( NIV). And, “The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing” ([Psalm 23:1]( NIV). Another translation says, “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want” (ESV). But, sister, I did want — I wanted to get out of that chair! I just needed to get myself together and control myself! Have you ever felt that way? I felt as needy as a sheep. Yet, as the procedure took place, I began to focus more on what I had instead of what I thought I needed. And, I began to feel cared for by my Shepherd. I realized I misunderstood my true need. You see, I thought I needed to be in control; what I really needed was to be cared for. I thought I needed to be brave; what I really needed that day was to be held. [Continue reading...]( [Learn more about RevenueStripe...]( [Read about Salem Web Network]( | [Subscription Preferences]( | [Unsubscribe]( --------------------------------------------------------------- © 2019 Salem Web Network. All rights reserved. 111 Virginia Street, Suite 500, Richmond, VA 23219. This email is never sent unsolicited. You are receiving this email because your email address, {EMAIL}, is signed up to receive newsletters, updates, and special offers from Encouragement for Today. [Link](