Led!

Led!

Psalms 23:3 AMP

[3] He refreshes and restores my soul (life); He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.

The verse above is taken from what we call the shepherd's psalm. It is a personal song, as you will find several references to my, me and I, and not a single we or us. The AMP version has 19 such references in 6 verses. It is not a general call, or something applicable to all and sundry; indeed, God is the Creator of all things and people, and He does give generic and general blessings to everyone He has made, but let it be known that there is special consideration for all who surrender their lives to God for safe-keeping. You do not expect God to fight you for control of your heart; He does not force Himself on anyone, and He will not go against the exercise of my freewill.

It has to be voluntary surrender for it to fully activate the blessings described in the verse above. Let it also be known that being under God's control does not preclude you from tough times, trials and tribulations; there will be no need for refreshing if there were no instances of pain, trials or tough times. I am not promised a trial-free life; I was guaranteed God's abiding presence at all times. When He is with me, I can face whatever comes my way. When He is with me, it does not really matter who else is not with me. When life has happened to me, and it seems that it is easier to give in or give up, He reminds me that I am His own, and He supplies that which I need for the time and season.

God refreshes and restores my soul when life seeks to weigh me down. His hand rests on me as I navigate life's uncertainties. Yes, life may seem unfair; health may fail; family and friends may die or leave without notice; I may be distracted by life's pressures, and be tempted to seek counsel from elsewhere, but at no time does God ever leave me to my devices. He stays with me when everyone else steps out. He goes with me everywhere I go, as the Omnipresent God. As Omnipotent, He steps into every situation and ensures that all works for my good. He can change any situation, no matter how dire, into something that celebrates His glory and power. 

As Omniscient, He knows just the right mix of pressure and pleasure that will bring out the best in me, and ensure that I do not become discouraged, or self-sufficient. The package on offer from God also includes being led in the paths of righteousness. This means that God is always seeking men He can lead, as an example of what works. There is a right path and a wrong path, and no amount of influence or negotiation can change what God calls wrong to right. He does this for His name’s sake. As His sheep, I bear His name. As His sheep, I represent Him in every way. His mark upon me means I cannot be careless about my life's choices. Is He yours too? Does He own you? God's time of favour is here.