I feel this is the message of Psalm 23. Yes, I am still in Psalm 23.
Do you have a loved one, a dear friend, that maybe you haven’t seen in ages and then you get together and catch up on all that has been going on in your life and theirs?
That’s where I have been the past several days by camping out in Psalm 23 with my dear friend, Jesus.
I’ve heard the Shepherd say, “Come lay down in the pasture. Get a cool and refreshing drink. Sleep, rest. Be still. I am filling your life with goodness, up to the very rim and more – I’m running your cup of life over with My love”.
Then my heart has said, “Lord, there are dangerous things happening all around me. Hurtful, heartbreaking situations, physical dangers and emotional unrest”. Then comes this reminder.
“Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. 5 You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies.” Psalm 23:4-5 NLT
King David, before he was king, was a shepherd. He cared for his sheep, and he let his experiences be life lessons to teach him about the loving care of the Good Shepherd.
The Lord knows a lot about dangerous and frightening situations. Just ask Noah (the ark builder), David (the giant slayer), Daniel (the lion tamer), Peter (the water walker), Paul (the shipwreck survivor) and oh yes, Jonah (the fish bait).
These were all everyday people – there was nothing special about them except their willingness to obey God.
“ I pray that God will open your minds to see his truth. Then you will know the hope that he has chosen us to have. You will know that the blessings God has promised his holy people are rich and glorious. 19 And you will know that God’s power is very great for us who believe. It is the same as the mighty power 20 he used to raise Christ from death and put him at his right side in the heavenly places. ” Ephesians 1:18-20 ERV
The last few weeks I have had several people very close to me face some pretty tough stuff. As I was praying for each of them the Lord kept bringing me back these verses in Psalms and Ephesians.
In the darkest valley, don’t be afraid. Know the blessings God has for you. Know the mighty power of God.
“I, I am the one who wipes away all your sins. I do this to please myself. I will not remember your sins. 26 But you should remember me. Let’s meet together and decide what is right.” Isaiah 43:25-26 ERV
The Lord wants us to meet with Him, in the quiet places, away from the distractions where we can remember His power, His strength, His unfailing love. He wants us to be worry-free, completely trusting Him and filled with joy because His love never fails.