The Making!

The Making!

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. Psalm 23:1‭-‬2 KJV

Context:

David writes this psalm, along with other inspiring songs in the book of Psalms. This is a person of whom God said was a man after his own heart. What could make an immortal God relate with a mortal man in this way? What could an immortal God gain from being this friendly with a mere mortal? The more I look at the life of David, the more I learn that a search for God is man's greatest assignment and when he finds God, that is his greatest discovery. God wants to be found; he wants to be a friend. When you have God, it does not matter what other physical thing you do not have; if you don't have God, then it does not matter what your networth is. So, who or what is your main possession? 

Message and Response:

David here knew who God is on a personal level. It was not about what other people said, but what he had come to know for himself. He called the Lord his shepherd, and he would know what this meant, as he was himself a shepherd of sheep before he was a shepherd of Israel. What is that present experience you are going through now? God is able to identify with you at that level, and reveal himself to you. 

When God is your shepherd, you have your needs taken care of. That is why there can be no want. The One who shepherds you is the one who owns and holds all you need. I note: I will not be in want because he is my shepherd, not because I am smart enough to take care of myself. Man has always tried and failed to get true independence from God. We fool ourselves into thinking that we can take care of ourselves; we carry out schemes that seem to succeed, and we think that we have life figured out. It does not work like that at all. Until a man is totally surrendered to God, he cannot enjoy all that God is and gives. 

And there is a making that comes out of God being my shepherd. He makes me lie down in green pastures. Even when I don't know what I need, he provides me with security, protection and safety. Even when I make mistakes, the fact that I am alive is a testimony to his making. If I were left alone for even a second, the devil would have had me. Away from all the craziness around, he gives me a quiet place, where I can rest, recharge and refire. The place of rest is a place of nourishment, provision, guidance, instruction and safety, before I go back again to face the world. Have I found this God yet, or am I still labouring of my own accord to get all I need for myself? 

When storms rise and the winds blow, he provides me a safe harbour, where harm cannot sweep me away. I note also: being in God does not insulate me from trouble but I am assured of safety. Still waters would make no impact on my heart if there were no storms. Quiet pastures would make no sense if there had been no storms and noise. Whatever it is that may have happened in the past or may even be going on right now, the presence of God and his resources are the most important things a man must have. I say again: when you have him, you have all you need. If you don't, it won't matter what else you have. 

Would I seek God out today? Is he my shepherd or just one of the popular names I have heard about? Is he all that matters or do other priorities hold my heart? Can I say, like the psalmist here, that the Lord is my shepherd? It is not about what I claim, but that which is true and evident in my life. Can men look at me, and be convinced that indeed, God rules and reigns in my life? If I am not sure, today is another opportunity to make sure. Seek God while he may be found; call on him while he is near. A time comes when no matter how hard you search, it may be too late. His time of favour is here.