Ancient Words For Today - 40
David, who wrote the 23rd psalm, was a shepherd before God appointed him to be the king of Israel. David had a servant's heart, risking his life to care for and protect the sheep entrusted to him. Perhaps this was one of the reasons God chose him to be the shepherd over the people of the nation of Israel. Another important reason was that David loved and served God and had a close personal relationship with Him. To rule effectively over God's chosen people, Israel, the king would need to trust God, be attentive to His voice and obedient to His direction. David was such a man. While David was not perfect - he committed some big sins like adultery and murder - David confessed his sins to God, received God's forgiveness and continued to faithfully walk with and trust God all of his life. God lovingly spoke of David saying that he was a man after God's own heart.
During his reign as King, David experienced many battles against the enemies of Israel, and later, even against his own son, Absalom, who wanted to take the throne away from David. To avoid the confrontation with his son and the possibility of Absalom being hurt or killed during the battle, David chose to retreat from Jerusalem. Certainly these ongoing military conflicts, with the stress and fatigue of battle and responsibility of leadership, must have been overwhelming at times. And the conflict with his son, Absalom, was emotionally painful and brought much sorrow to David. It was at times like these that David would seek the Lord to protect and comfort him and to deliver him from his enemies. As he drew close to God, the Lord would lead him to the still waters, that place of safety and rest, where he found both physical refreshment and restoration of his spiritual well-being as he enjoyed fellowship with the Lord.
The following portions of psalms written by David describe occasions when he cried out to the Lord and was delivered from his enemies and his peace was restored:
Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Psalm 61:1-4
I love the LORD, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications. Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live. The sorrows of death compassed me, and the pains of hell gat hold upon me: I found trouble and sorrow. Then called I upon the name of the LORD; O LORD, I beseech thee, deliver my soul. Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful. The LORD preserveth the simple: I was brought low, and he helped me. Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the LORD hath dealt bountifully with thee. For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling. I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living. Psalm 116:1-9
We also struggle with the same physical, mental, emotional and spiritual warfare that David experienced. We can grow tired, weary and overwhelmed, perhaps feeling like we don't have the strength to carry on another day. But the Lord is there to help us when we come to Him and ask. This is the wonderful invitation Jesus gives us:
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30
Truly, the Lord delivers, preserves and comforts us in times of trouble. And he is our constant companion and guide who has promised He will never leave or forsake us and that He will be with us always, even to the end of the age. We can trust Him to help us and to always do what is best for us in every situation. Have you found comfort and rest in the loving arms of Jesus?
The first verse of Psalm 116 (included above) begins with the acclamation: I love the LORD, because.... Then David went on at length describing many of the reasons. Considering all that the Lord has done for you, why not take a few minutes and complete that thought for yourself. Then praise the Lord and tell those around you why you love Jesus.