Dericka Canada Cunningham, GBW Founder
October 7, 2024
This Week's Anchor
“Yea, though I walk through the valley
of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me;
thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”
Psalm 23: 4 (KJV)
I don’t know about you, but as the weeks pass and the days inch closer to our country’s presidential election voting day, a sense of collective anxiety seems to rise among us. As we embark on our very uncertain potential of electing the first Black/BIPOC woman president, I find myself taken back to a little over two years ago when we confirmed the first Black woman to the US Supreme Court, Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson. What a journey it was and a journey this election season has been. I recall a memorable moment during Judge Jackson’s confirmation hearing process, which included the viral impassioned speech given by Senator Cory Booker. Some of us might not always agree with Senator Booker’s perspective, but in this case, he delivered some timely affirmation to Judge Jackson and Black women nationwide that was meaningful then and now. The emotions of the hearing were undeniably palatable. I was deeply moved by one notable observation—Judge Jackson’s unrelenting calm despite a relentless barrage of pointed questions. As Senator Booker wrapped up his speech, he encouraged Judge Jackson by reminding her that “God’s got you.” Senator Booker was spot on with this proclamation because God’s presence could certainly be felt through our screens as we all witnessed from afar.
As I ponder on these moments, our anchor scripture (one of which I memorized growing up) comes to mind—“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” Judge Jackson boldly waded through the trenches of her hearing process. And here we are, wading through the trenches of our political system yet again. During her hearing, Judge Jackson seized the moment to express gratitude to God for His presence in sharing, “I must also pause to reaffirm my thanks to God, for it is faith that sustains me at this moment.” What an honor to be reminded of this as we look to God to sustain us through this election season. Her words are reminiscent of those of David expressed in Psalm 23. In it, we are reminded of several important truths that can ground us when we find ourselves in the uncertain seasons of our lives.
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” (v.1)—God is our protector. He watches over us. He’s ahead of us, next to us, behind us, above us, and within us. He guides us to places only He can lead us. In Him, we have everything we need.
“He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.” (v.2)—In Him we find perfect peace, unwavering calm, and unshakable joy.
“He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.” (v.3)—He has the healing power to make us and our lives new at any moment. With God, we are granted great redemption, recovery, and strength.
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” (v.4)—He will never leave us—not at our mountain tops, and not in our valley lows. With our limitless God, fear becomes limited. Being afraid doesn’t hold us back, and we can persevere despite fear.
“Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.” (v.5)—There is no Divinely opened door that any enemy can close. God’s overflowing purpose for us will always prevail, and nothing and no one in this world can take that from us.
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.” (v.6)—The love, joy, grace, and peace that God provides us do not run out. His presence is everlasting, and His love is ever-flowing.
Come what valleys (and stress-inducing political processes) may, let us enter this week with the boldness displayed in the songs of David and by our sister Ketanji. May we be anchored in unshakable confidence in God’s Divine will and provisions. May we stand firm in the presence of the Holy Trinity. And may we endure in our faith that no matter what and no matter who, God’s got us!
Reflection
What is resonating for you about this scripture and/or this devotion?
What valleys do you need support in this week? This month? This year?
What do you need from the Holy Trinity to help you navigate moments of challenge?
What intention(s) do you want to set to connect and/or reconnect with being grounded this week?
Related Scriptures to Ground You Through this Week
Psalm 119:116-117
Psalm 139:8-10
Isaiah 41:10
Isaiah 43:2
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
Philippians 4:13
My Through-the-Week Reflection Guide
A Song of Inspiration
Quote of Love & Liberation
“I have learned over the years that when one’s mind is made up,
this diminishes fear; knowing what must be done does away with fear.”
Rosa Parks
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