The Good Shepherd: Part 2
Psalm 23
This chapter is not just David’s reflection of God’s faithfulness and goodness through his whole life. This scripture is a reminder to look back, to see all of God’s faithfulness and goodness throughout our whole lives. It reminds us to look at scripture to see just who God is, and what He does because of who He is. A reminder of what He has delivered you from, what He has protected you from, and what He has blessed you in.
John 10:10 tells us the only motive the enemy has, is to steal, kill, and destroy. God came to give us life and life abundantly. Isn’t that so good? John 10:11-14 tells us He is a good shepherd, no counterfeit or stand in will suffice. It is only our Good Shepherd, who is all we need.
Psalm 23:4, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, * I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (ESV)
Did you know, David is not talking about actual death here? He is actually talking about a spiritual death and wickedness. About going through valleys of troubled and dark times. We all go through hardships, weather that be physical, mental, financial, etc. These are all dark valleys you and I go through. When David says “I will fear no evil, for you are with me”. He is talking about how he made it out of all the dark valleys throughout his life. How good God is for being with him in all those times of trouble. David is actually showing us one of the promises of God in this verse. That we will fear no evil because our God is with us. This is a promise to be confident in, He is with you. He is never going leave you or forsake you.
Notice, David said “I will fear no evil”. He is telling us all dark things have a tie to evil, and David said he will fear NO evil. He will fear no darkness and no valley because GOD is with him. Just like God is with you in all your troubled times. Be confident and bold in this promise. If God is for you, who can be against you? When you are going through hard things, think about it this way, how is there a shadow? Because there is light! The light is with you, the light goes before you, the light is beside you, the light is surrounding you. He is with you, and He will never leave you. This is why you are not surrounded in complete darkness, because He is The Good Shepherd. He will bring you out, it is just another chapter in your story.
You are a living breathing walking testimony! Everyone of these valleys, is an opportunity to add another testimony of God’s goodness and faithfulness. He is writing, forming, shaping, testimonies for you right now! Testimonies just for you and your purpose, to share with others. To show them and testify to them, the goodness of God. Say this with me, “The best testimonies of my life are yet to come!”. Now have faith in this and keep declaring it. It may not have happened yet, but it is being designed right now!
What God is doing as a good shepherd, is establishing and strengthening you. He is getting you ready for what is ahead. Knowing God is with us in these valleys and declaring it, is stating you will persevere because you know your God is with you. This verse stating “Even though I walk through the valley” is a testimony. This is stating the mindset of perseverance, that you will not give up on God.
“Your rod and your staff” = God’s protection & correction. God’s word guides and protects you, changing your mindset for your good. Teaching and correcting us like a good shepherd. God will confront things in your life so He can bring you through the valleys that come and lead you by still waters. Correction may hurt for a time, but God does it out of love. Like a good parent, you do not want your kids in valleys all of their lives. He wants you to embrace the change of correction, not the consequences of actions.
God has given you a seat at His table. A seat designed with you in mind. Seriously, it is special and just for you! You have an opportunity to pull up this chair, your chair, to His table. On that table is everything you need to walk through this life. As scripture tells us, this table was not made in the absence of the enemy. God gives you a seat surrounded by your enemies. You may be thinking what? A lot of people get to this table and get distracted by the enemies around. Do not get caught up with the enemy. Pay attention to the table, and the host in front of you. The enemy will only be present to you when you acknowledge him. Anxiety, fear, sickness, is only present when you acknowledge it. Get locked on The Great Host, and you will not hear or see anything but Him.
You didn’t just pull up a chair at a table, you pulled up a chair to Jesus. He is your table, prepared for you. Fear no evil, for He is with you!
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