Lead Me On

Roman Road and Arch, Donnas, France

When I walk through the darkest valley

 I will not be afraid because you are close beside me.

Ps. 23:4 (NLT)

There are times when things seem so dark we can't see our way.  We are weighed down with confusion and fear.  In times like these we need even more to trust the Great Shepherd who is always there and will never fail to lead us on. 

I am so thankful for the rich tradition of scripture and song that I have been surrounded with these last 47 years since I came to know Christ.  In times of trouble, a scripture or a song comes to mind to encourage me. This morning I woke singing Precious Lord, Take My Hand, written by Thomas A. Dorsey, the father of Black Gospel music.  

He wrote this song a week after the tragic loss of his wife and son in childbirth. As he tells the story:

I sat down at the piano, and my hands began to browse over the keys. Something happened to me then. I felt at peace. I felt as though I could reach out and touch God. I found myself playing a melody. Once in my head they just seemed to fall into place: 

'Precious Lord, take my hand lead me on, let me stand, I am tired, I am weak, I am worn, through the storm, through the night, lead me on to the light, take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home.' 

The Lord gave me these words and melody. He also healed my spirit. I learned that when we are in our deepest grief, when we feel farthest from God, this is when He is closest, and when we are most open to His restoring power. 

And so I go on living for God willingly and joyfully, until that day comeswhen He will take me and gently lead me home.

How much encouragement we gain from listening to the stories of those who have experienced the dark times and have found God faithful to carry them through. 

Oh Lord, let us always cling to you, trusting you to lead us on toward the light no matter how dark it seems.  We know you will bring us through because your grace is unchanging, your love unfailing.  Give us eyes to see, give us faith to believe that you are always there close beside holding our hand.

Click here:  Elvis singing Precious Lord. (In honor of my mom who was an Elvis fan.)