He's Been There

I am the Gentle Shepherd--watching over you

I am the Gentle Shepherd and I'll surely see you through.

I have been where you're going,

And I know what you have to do.

Oh, I am the Gentle Shepherd and I gave my life for you.

Two weeks ago a friend shared this song with me. I had heard it before, but she sent it at the most appropriate time....because she knew I was having some difficulties and because she wanted to be an encouragement to me. It reminded me that God does know what I'm going through and He's already gone through it for me. He gave His life for me--why would He not carry me through the rest of life's journeys?

Listening to this song for a second time, I was reminded of the past events that God has brought me through. Thinking over prayers that have been answered in the past years showed me that He was there all along. I know He is...but sometimes, I need that reminder, that proof, that encouragement, and one way I received that was by counting my blessings, including the answered prayers.

He was there with me several years ago after I was convicted of some of my beliefs and had to step out in faith, knowing that most of my family and friends believed differently.

He was there when I watched the friends I had grown up with all my life, graduate, leave for college, and then find homes of their own.

He was there when I *shock* decided not to attend college, but pursue a BA at home. ;)

He was there when I needed friends--I found Him, first, to be the best friend ever--and provided them in a way I never expected.

He was there with me when I pursued better, closer relationships with my siblings.

He was there in that room with me on September 29th when I took my first CLEP test.

He was there as I helped and encouraged friends through difficult things.

He was there with me when I decided, a few months before, to "cram" for a harp exam in January; He was also there when I took that exam on the 26th.

He was there with me when I had several music performances. Unexpectedly, He also (through the help of a friend) gave me a way to get through the last festival without physical discomfort (my wrists were really starting to hurt because of all the piano technique I had/have to practice).

He was there with me a few weeks ago when I again faced difficulties that would not be resolved. I was overwhelmed by the encouragement and support I received from friends.

And that is why I know that He will be with me every single step of the way for every single future event.

He will be there when my coaching hold decision is made.

He will be there when I struggle through high school.

He will be there when the time comes for me to make a degree decision.

He will be there when I have to get my wisdom teeth taken out.

He will be there as everything crunches down into one long to-do list and I can't seem to get it all done.

He will be there for my next piano exam.

He will be there at my graduation as I speak and try to present my future plans.

Because He's been there, I know He will be there. He is faithful. He cannot go back on his promises and what He has said He will do, He will "perform it until the day of Jesus Christ". (Phil.1:6)

I Thessalonians 5:24

Faithful is He that calleth you, who also will do it.

He's been there,

In good times and bad times,

He's been there.

When I could not carry on,

My Lord's been there,

When my heart had no words,

The loving Father still heard,

I've never been alone,

For He's been there.

God bless you all.

Your sister in Christ,

Kaleigh