Morning Devotional

On Palm Sunday we find ourselves not in a garden but on a dusty road heading into town. Because of the scriptures we do know Palm trees were plentiful as it tells us they cut Palms and laid them in the road as Jesus entered before them.The streets were lined with people shouting Hosanna, Blessed is the King who comes int he name of the Lord.  Can you feel the hope, joy, even a sense of victory that most likely filled the hearts of the many who hailed him.
       
Then, in a blink of eye we stand in the Garden of the High Priest, to whom Jesus was taken after His arrest by the Roman soldiers. It is in this area where Peter denies knowing Him and left weeping bitterly. It was here all had abandon the Messiah. They had come from a road of triumph and delight to despair.
     
If we think about it, life brings us many different garden experiences. Though we come to the garden with Jesus there is no guarantee it will be easy. Life is like that rose garden; beautiful at times but there is always thorn present. However, it makes a different knowing the Jesus walks with us, that God is near. Somehow this always bring hope into the moment. The very one who walked this lonesome valley makes us less lonesome. 
     
In this time of darkness, uncertainty, may we never forget the Psalm where we are reminded God walks with us through the valley of shadow of death, not "in" the valley.God's rod and staff they comfort us. 
     
​For me, especially this year's journey of Lent, I am reminded to live life fully,  to enjoy the wonder of things;  the simple and complex; to trust and not despair when things get tough. For our God is trustworthy and True. He is our constant companion and nothing can ever separate us from His love. I hope in some way our Lenten journey together has brought you closer to God and to who He is.  

Almighty and Holy God, may all honor and glory be Yours.  Father as I enter Holy week with Your Son I thank you fro Your great love. I thank You fro giving us a hope of everlasting life and salvation through Your cross and resurrection. I kneel before You asking You to forgive me of my sinfulness. I thank you for my family who teaches me daily and all those who walk with me.Lord, I need You. Father, I pray this in Jesus' name. Amen