Benefits

Benefits!

Psalm 23:6 AMPC

[6] Surely or only goodness, mercy, and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life, and through the length of my days the house of the Lord [and His presence] shall be my dwelling place.

I love the way this popular verse starts off. It is the popular psalm of the Shepherd, with David the writer relying on his personal and firsthand experience to highlight the benefits and blessings received from God as his Shepherd. The whole chapter celebrates God, and we see His protection, provision and support laid out clearly in the  chapter. The verse above is part of the narrative. When all has been said and done about the shepherd and what He offers me, there is also a dimension that is eternal. It is easy to focus on the eternal, and ignore the realities of the earthly. It is easy to console yourself with eternal rewards, while trying to bear up under the weight of earthly burdens. Actually, it does matter that I enjoy the blessings and benefits of the earth, as I also prepare for eternity. How can God be glorified, and His reputation enhanced, if there is no human life willing and available for God to display His glory and splendour in? 

There is a certainty about who God is and what He promises. It is not a supposition or an accident. If God promises it, be sure He has the power, authority and ability to bring it to pass. I have to note that those who have access to the promise at the end of the chapter must align with the conditions at the start of the chapter. Recall that we are talking about shepherd and sheep. How can anyone lay claim to the benefits of a relationship you do not believe in? How can I lay claim to a gift by someone whose authority I choose not to recognise or submit to? The benefits of the verse above are for the sheep that are under the control, guidance and direction of the shepherd, not independent contractors who think that they can take care of themselves. If I can, why would I need God? If I can, why do I need anything from God? For those who know that they are weak by themselves, and know that only God can help them, this verse is for you. 

Whilst on earth, God's goodness, mercy, and unfailing love follow me all the days of my life. Even when things 'look' wrong, I remind myself of who is with me every step of the way. Whilst still on earth, I constantly remind myself that I am preparing for eternity, a place and position where I will be with God forever. Whilst on earth, I am reminded that this is not where the story will end; there is a lot to do on earth as I prepare for my eternal residence. I must be conscious that the Omnipresent God is everywhere, and there is nowhere to hide from His presence. He is Omniscient, and nothing escapes His attention. He is the Omnipotent God, who fills all things in all ways, and with whom nothing is impossible. It is this clear understanding that keeps me very focused, even when things threaten to fall apart all around me. Because He is with me, I do not fret. I stay connected; i stay refreshed and I stay renewed. Is this God also your own God? God's time of favour is here.