Daily Encouragement

The online Bible teaching ministry of Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
A daily, Bible-based perspective of hope, encouragement and exhortation.

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Monday, February 2, 2026

Colebrook Road in snow, Lebanon County, PA

According to our weather forecast temps are projected to remain cold so we will see the snow on the ground for awhile longer.

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The Shadows
Deepen"}}

Message summary: When shadows deepen on life's journey we can remain steady if we stand on the promise of Scripture that God is with us. May He give you that assurance in regard to whatever deepening shadows you are facing.

Listen to our message on your audio player.

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me" (Psalm 23:4).

In our worship service yesterday we sang "Is He Worthy?" written by Andrew Peterson. It's written in a call-and-response fashion, that poses profound questions about the state of the world, some of the same questions you've probably asked yourself. Peterson reinforces the message of hope and assurance found in Christ's redemptive power and His work in our lives. The lyrics reflect on the brokenness of the world and affirm our belief, as followers of Christ, in His redemptive power:

Do you feel the world is broken?

(We do)
Do you feel the shadows deepen?

(We do)
But do you know that all the dark won't stop the light from getting through?

(We do)
Do you wish that you could see it all made new?

(We do)

It's a song that really makes you contemplate the conditions that surround us: from our own personal brokenness to national and world conditions. It is very obvious the world is broken and, yes, we sure do feel it.

After leading us in worship during the second service Brooksyne and the other choir members came off the platform so they could sit with their families and hear the sermon. We've sat in the same general area of the sanctuary since we began attending nearly nine years ago. In a large church these are the folks we refer to as our "pew neighbors".

At the conclusion of the service a pew neighbor, who is also a choir member, approached us and gave us an update on her husband who has been very ill and will undergo a blood transfusion this week.

His condition is quite dire and we could see the weariness and strain on her face. Yet after caring for her husband she managed to come to church and sing in the choir for the latter two services (the choir sings in all three services). Before we parted we joined together in prayer for her husband and for her as his caregiver.

They are experiencing a season when they surely feel the shadows deepening in their personal lives. I thought of that knowing that she would return to the platform to sing again for the third service as an expression of her faith, obedience and responsibility as a choir member. We sure hope the song ministered to her heart.

When Andrew Peterson wrote "Do you feel the shadows deepen?" he was likely alluding to Psalm 23:4. Most readers, even those vaguely familiar with the Bible, recognize this Psalm.

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death". Walking through the valley of the shadow of death is a familiar path most all of us have been on at some point in life. It might be that inevitable event when the time is nearing for a loved one dearest on earth to us or eventually our own. But there are many valley experiences all throughout our lifetime. In preparation for this message I purposefully recalled several of them in my own life.

David, who wrote the Psalm, personally knew dark periods of walking through the valley of the shadow of death such as when he was pursued by an insanely jealous Saul and later during his experience with Absalom. He faced many fierce battles over his lifetime.

"I will fear no evil, for You are with me". Deepening shadows can certainly prompt fear. They surely have in my own life. David proclaims a powerful resolve. We can find a calm assurance when we remember that God is with us even in the darkest of places. The darkness of our circumstance won't stop the light of Christ from shining through to meet our deepest need.

So we end with another thoughtful phrase in the song, "Is it good that we remind ourselves of this? It is".

Be encouraged today, Hebrews 3:13

Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily prayer: Father, at the top of our reminder list each day we want to remind ourselves of this essential truth, "God is with Us". Because You are with us we are not without hope. You have promised to be with us when the shadows deepen in our lives. We pray this in the Name of Jesus who promised, "I am with you always, even to the end of the age”. Amen.

Today's Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources

"Is He Worthy?" Watch on YouTube Calvary Church Choir and Orchestra Dave Ross, our worship leader begins with a very thoughtful purpose for corporate worship.

"Is He Worthy?" Watch on YouTube Andrew Peterson, who wrote the song.

If you are interested here's the story behind the song as told by Andrew Peterson. (pdf)

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Our ministry in daily encouragement is primarily for those who have placed their faith in Christ but we are aware there may be those who come across these messages who may not know or understand the plan of salvation. Here's a site with a good explanation. How to become a Christian: https://twowaystolive.com/

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Thank you,

Stephen & Brooksyne

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How to become a Christian: https://twowaystolive.com/

Scripture references are from The Holy Bible: New International Version. © 1984 by International Bible Society; NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, New King James Version (NKJV) Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. and the King James Version and a variety of other versions.

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