Dave’s Monday Blast – October 25, 2021
“The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want…” Psalm 23 is one of the most recognizable chapters in the entire Bible. We learn it in Sunday School, see it in funeral programs, and notice it on church décor. Even those who do not attend church have likely heard this psalm before. I know it is familiar to you, but I would encourage you to read it a few times this week. As the Bible is a living document, every time we read it the Holy Spirit teaches us something new (2 Timothy 3:16 – 17).
Here are three questions for you to consider as you read again this week:
1. Am I allowing God to lead me? God is always in control of what is happening, but we also have a free will. That means we can choose to let God lead our lives. When we don’t, it’s the same as choosing to be led by our selfish desires. The very opening of Psalm 23 beautifully shows what we can gain from surrendering and allowing God to lead our lives (v. 1 – 3). As you read you realize anew that if God is our Shepherd, that means we give Him control of our life. When we do, look at what there is to gain:
a. God will meet our needs
b. He will give us peace
c. He will restore us
d. He will lead us down a path of righteousness and not destruction
If your world seems chaotic or unfulfilling, ask yourself, “Am I allowing God to lead me?”
2. Am I camping in the valley? V. 4 says, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death…” This verse clearly states that the valleys of life are to be walked through, but at times we put up a tent and camp. That is convicting! We must not get bogged down in our circumstances and resign ourselves to the idea that “that’s the way it will always be.” During the valleys of life, we must remember the last two lines of this verse, that God is with you and will comfort you as you walk through. Put one foot in front of the other while asking the Lord to provide you with your way forward.
If you are going through a season of sin, discouragement, or despair in your life right now, ask yourself, “Am I walking or camping?”
3. Have I lost sight of God’s faithfulness? Let’s keep thinking about valleys for a moment. Sometimes in the valleys of life, we take on a “woe is me” attitude and completely ignore all the blessings that God has given. Returning to Psalm 23:5 – 6, we understand that if you could put your blessings in a cup, they would run over the top. Goodness and mercy will be following you everywhere, AND you will be spending eternity with God. That is the ultimate blessing!
If you are discouraged and weary right now ask yourself, “Am I thinking or dwelling upon the right things (Philippians 4:8)?” In truth, you cannot dwell on bad thoughts and the blessings from the Word of God at the same time. Try it…you’ll Like it! (Like Alka Seltzer – or even better).
