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. Psalm 23:4 KJV
Context and Charge:
It is not a matter of IF but WHEN. A walk with God does not insure you from tough times. There are times in the life of a child of God when faith in God has to be proven beyond any doubt. God assures me of His presence, and His presence gives me presents to help me on my way, but I must also know that part of His presents are that walk through the valley of the shadow of death. Due to the fall of man into sin, man has to go through this earthly phase and all it represents. Iniquity abounds; man's inhumanity to man grows every day, but in the midst of the most distressing circumstances, God assures me of His presence. Having God with me is the only guarantee that I will end well. Nothing else in this life can protect you from the trials, tough times and trouble that have become a fundamental part of this phase called life.
The reason why I will not fear isn't because I have figured out this life, but because the One who is with me is in control of all life. If you read the other parts of this psalm, David was very clear about his relationship with the Good Shepherd, having been a shepherd himself. He knew first-hand the personal care and attention a shepherd will give to each sheep, and would not leave even one alone without help. As many as we may be on earth, God knows us on an individual basis, and nothing catches him by surprise. Evil may threaten, but God is able to place a limit on its scope, impact and reach. I note that my human nature may not always understand how God works, but there is no doubt that whatever God allows has been configured to work for my ultimate good, and to bring me to God's expected end.
Conviction and Conclusion:
That is why I rejoice. I do not resist God's processes and procedures, because I know that there is a purpose and a plan behind the pain. God's presence makes all his presents worthwhile, but I must not crave his presents more than His presence. I must not focus on what He can give me, more than who He is. Men and women of old who walked with God and impacted their generation knew this: they took all that God gave them and used them to touch lives, but they all kept going back to the source. At no time did they claim independence from God. God's discipline and guidance, through his rod and staff, bring me comfort. Times do change; God remains the same. Life happens; God is always there. I ask God to help me focus on Him, to the exclusion of any other attractive alternative. God's time of favour is here.
No comments:
Post a Comment