Psalm 23:1-3 KJV
[1] The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. [2] He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters.
[3] He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
There is a personal touch that is made clear in the verses above. You cannot speak the right way about an experience you have not personally encountered. You may be greatly encouraged by another person's testimony, but when you have had your own, it stays with you for a lifetime. Thst is where the psalmist was as he wrote the words of the verses above. He was also a shepherd, so he knew what the demands and expectations were. Just as he would ensure that the sheep under his care were protected and nourished, so would the Great Shepherd also protect and nourish those who are under his care. One quick thing to note here: you have to belong to the sheepfold for the care of the Shepherd to extend to you. A shepherd is first concerned about the sheep under his watch, not the ones milling around. Am I one of his sheep, or just one of the many just walking around, claiming independence and self-sufficiency?
By his leading and guidance, he brings me to a place of rest. He knows that daily living can bring pressure and stress, but he wants me to trust Him enough to leave everything in his care. When life has happened to me, and there is the temptation to just give in or give up, I remember that I have a Father-Shepherd whose love for me knows no limits, and who can bring me to a place of calm and rest. When everyone around seems to be cutting corners and seemingly getting away with it, I know that I cannot do what everyone does. If God does not do it, it will not get done. The verses above state quite clearly that I shall not want. Whatever it is that I need for life and Godliness will be supplied by the shepherd for all who belong to Him. Please do not make an assumption about who you are, or whose you are. Make sure you have resolved the critical question about your ownership and allegiance.
God does not force Himself on anyone, or go against the exercise of our own freewill. I live or die by the choices that I make on a daily basis. There will also be times when the pressure or stress shows. I may get tired, and it will show in my daily life. I may make some mistakes or get it wrong, yet, if I will stay in the sheepfold, and not claim independence or self-sufficiency, God is able to restore me. No matter how bad things get, I know God is able to bring good out of the worst situations. The devil's work is to steal, kill and destroy but the shepherd wants to offer me true life, the type that never ends and is with him forever. I bear His name, so His name and reputation are on display. I bear His name, so wherever I find myself, I am His ears, eyes, lips, feet and heart. He knows that men will give glory to Him when my life reflects His grace, mercy and favour. Is my life such a platform on which God can be lifted up for the world to see? God's time of favour is here.
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