Scripture:
Psalms 23:1-6 NKJV
[1] The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. [2] He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. [3] He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. [4] Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. [5] You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. [6] Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.
Observation:
I’m going to be honest I probably don’t spend enough time reading the Psalms. Especially when things are not comfortable. So as I was listening to the Spirit this morning I found this Psalm that is probably one of the most memorized Psalms in the Bible. I completely understand why. There is so much hope spoken in just 6 short verses. As King David takes a look back at all that GOD had brought him through recalling his time not only as a shepherd boy but a hunted fugitive as well. He sees how the LORD was there in the fields. Starting his description of HIM as a Shepherd. You see even as a young boy David’s heart was set on the LORD. All those days in the field singing praise and worshiping, spending intimate time with the one who led every one of his steps. As he recalls those days, he praised the LORD for the way he was brought to the best places, the greenest pastures and streams that flowed smoothly. Those moments in the field with all the sheep allowed the young Sheppard boy to see exactly who his heavenly Father is. Always being brought to just the right place at just the right time to restore and refresh him. As he recounts those moments he knows that the LORD is for him. He had never been left without and always knew the right way to go. A lot of that had to do with his heart position. As he protected the sheep a loving father looked after him. Leading every step. I may be wrong on this but I see David’s time in the fields with the sheep as one long worship session. Even as the Bear approached I can picture him calmly reaching into his shepherd’s bag for a stone and towards his belt for the sling, knowing the LORD would guide that stone to just the right place on the Bear. David’s trust in the LORD came from not only intimacy but repeated examples of the LORD’S protection over his life. Most kids his age would have run from the dangers he stood with confidence to confront. He knew that GOD was with him in every moment, and would not place him in a situation that could not be overcome. Some would look at what he had been through and backed up, going another direction. What looked like sure death to others looked like GOD’S hand to David. An opportunity to confront evil. The shepherd’s rod of the Father brings him comfort. As he continues to recall his life. I see him sitting on his throne with a few of his mighty men of valor around him. Recalling the time in the cave as Saul stepped into the darkness not even aware that David and his men were in there. Clipping the corner of Saul’s garment off just to show him how he could have been snuffed out but was shown mercy. The whole time the oil that had ran down his face from the promise that had been made to him. He knew that goodness and mercy would be what he experienced because it’s the very thing he showed to Saul in this very crucial moment. I love looking at David’s relationship with the LORD. The cup of blessings that were recounted in this moment was so full that it ran over. David’s loyalty was set. He knew the LORD he could see the rest that was given when it was needed, the fear removed in dark times, releasing his anxieties in those times, and the grace he felt necessary to show in times of conflict.
Application:
In times of insecurity and uncertainty I find it extremely important to look at all that GOD has brought me through. It’s not always easy to do if we are completely honest, because the circumstances can seem overwhelming. Knowing how far HE has brought you can not be forgotten. Life is not going to stop… the thing is neither will GOD. HE is never going to leave you in a place that HE did not lead you to for a reason. In those moments of darkness HE is there. Protecting you whispering ever so slightly in your ear to guide you in paths of righteousness. Tuning our hearts to the right picture of who GOD is can be detrimental to the level of trust we have for him, as I look back over how far HE has brought me, I remember times when evil was all around me, sitting in homeless shelters, and trap houses knowing HIS hand was on my life even in those moments. In fact I can even see the reasons for those moments now. Last Sunday I ran into a guy that I used to sit in those places with. As soon as he saw me he could see that I was not the same person. GOD’S hand had not only protected me in those moments but it had shaped a completely different person. A person that needed to be placed in that moment Sunday to call another one of his children out of the pit. I could see a light come to his eyes as he recognized that things were different in my life today. Now here is how I see this scripture playing out in that situation. I believe that GOD has had HIS hand on my life from the moment that I committed my heart to HIM. Every step has been orchestrated by HIM, the bible says a man plans his path, but GOD guides his footsteps. Going through those hard times allowed me to see HIS protection and provision over my life. It also allowed others to see exactly what HE can do with a willing heart. All that HE has brought me through helps me understand that HE is not going to leave me where I am. HE is not done yet, so what I would say to you today if I had an opportunity is this, I’m not sure where you’re at but I know it will change. There is a season for everything. Remember how far HE has brought you, remember HIS protection and provision. HE has told you that we are going to the other side. Stop looking at the storm and trust in the Father. HE knows where the good grass is, turn your heart to recall how far HE has brought you, HE is the author and finisher of our faith. That means HE is not going to leave us half finished…. If it’s not good then HE is not done. Just trust and obey, HIS plan is not harmful. Seek HIM with all your heart and HE will reveal HIMSELF to you, and when HE does you won’t be able to help but see HIM the same way I do…. As a good Shepherd leading you beside still waters providing all your needs, and protecting you along the way.
Prayer:
Father, we see you, we know that you are everything we need. As we take a quick look back we see how you have always been there, and how perfect your timing is. You are never a second late, and you have always given us exactly what we needed in the moment. We want to continue to be led by you. Help us to hear you clearly and move when you say move, or stay still when you say to stay still. It’s so easy to get overwhelmed with what we see. As sheep it’s for us to follow. We want to stay right close to you hearing your shepherd song of praise and stepping into the green pastures. Your rod of correction is our comfort. We know your love because you are willing to correct us. Help us to learn every lesson as painlessly as possible. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus we pray amen.