He refreshes and restores my soul (life); He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Psalms 23:3 AMP
Context and Charge:
Life will happen to the best of us. The fallen human nature, due to the influence of sin, is prone to trouble. There are seasons of trials and tribulations, as well as seasons of triumphs. There are times when all seems to be well, and there will be times when nothing will seem to work. There are times when you would feel like giving up, and there are times when you just find inner strength to press on and keep at it. No matter what the external circumstances are, the one thing that I must not do without is the presence of God. No matter what else I have, if God is not with me, I am just an accident waiting to happen. Again, life will happen to me, but there is a standing promise from God that He will be with me.
When the pressure comes, God gives me the assurance that he will refresh and restore me. When life batters and presses me, God's dealings will always come at the right time, in the right measure, and for the right impact. The work that God does is first internal, then the effect is then seen on the external. I must also not forget that for God to be able to work like this in me, it requires my cooperation. The verses before today's extract refers to the writer as sheep under the guidance, protection and provision of the Shepherd. If I am an independent contractor, i may not be able to access God's help. If I have submitted to His authority, then I have unlimited access to all that God is and has.
Conviction and Conclusion:
As His sheep, I carry his name. As His sheep, He is my Lord and Saviour, and the owner of my life. Everytime I open my mouth, I make Him known. Because His name is at stake, He will do all He can to promote His grace upon my life. He is glad when my decisions and actions represent Him well, so He will always provide all I need for life and Godliness so I can continue to His good ambassador. Of course, God will not lead me into sin, because that would be against His nature. He will promote only that which looks like Him, which is righteousness. I may not always understand the WHY behind the HOW he leads, but I have the assurance that being God, He can never lead me astray. I trust His wisdom and judgment, and I know as His sheep, I am safe and secure from every alarm. God's time of favour is here.
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