Ancient Words For Today - 26
It is a great comfort knowing that God is with us wherever we go. No matter where we are and regardless of what circumstances we might be faced with, God tells us to be strong and courageous because He is with us. We are not to be fearful or overwhelmed by pressing problems or difficulties, no matter how overpowering they may seem or be.
Nevertheless, the reality is, we all have experienced times when we became afraid or dismayed, and perhaps some of us are presently feeling that way. This happens most frequently when we lose our perspective that God is with us and forget or become doubtful that God will intervene to help us overcome or strengthen us to persevere through our difficulties. Instead, we often think and act like we are all alone and that it is up to us to be the problem solver and to control every circumstance in our life. The truth is, we are not in control of every circumstance and we cannot solve every problem. That is why we continually need to draw close to the Lord, wait upon and trust in Him. He will give us the strength and courage to stay on the path He has planned for us.
King David walked closely with the Lord. He knew that his strength, protection, provision and salvation came only from God. David experienced numerous occasions when the Lord delivered him from trouble and gave him victory over his enemies. There were other times when the Lord did not deliver him from the trouble, but rather strengthened him to
persevere through it. David wrote Psalm 23, one of my favorites that I memorized as a child. In this Psalm he refers to the Lord as his Shepherd who provided for his needs, restored his soul, guided him along the path of righteousness, quenched his fears and comforted him.
Jesus proclaimed that He is our Good Shepherd, who loves us, provides for us, tends after us and will never leave or forsake us. He is the Good Shepherd who gave his life for us sheep. The more we understand the shepherd-like concern Jesus has for our well-being, trust Him, and become obedient to His loving voice, the more we will experience His comfort, be strengthened and find courage to stay on the path the Lord is guiding us along. Below is the 23rd Psalm. As you reflect upon David's words, I trust they will also be a comfort and encouragement to you.
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
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.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:
thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
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. Psalm 23