Today’s devotion is based on the Message: Trust Revealed (Watch Here)
“I can’t wait until they are over!”
As our girls finish up their school semester by taking tests and exams, it brings back memories of that season of life where one spends hours studying, not just prior to an exam, but throughout the semester. The week of exams was grueling with long hours of studying, the nervousness of wondering if you had prepared enough and then the mental focus to take an exam that could be a couple hours long.
But the stress leading up to all the tests melted away as the last one was handed in and the pressure and responsibility of homework and studies melted away to the freedom a relaxing schedule of the summer months.
What does this have to do with Psalm 23?
I don’t think that King David went through semester exams, but he went through life exams. As we reflected on yesterday, some of those can be intense, stressful, dark and worrisome.
But David knew what was on the other side. The joy, relief, and peace stood in contrast to the dark valleys of life:
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Four wonderful blessings that we get to enjoy as a result of the Lord being our Shepherd to lead us through life:
- Being a welcome guest at the Lord’s table of blessings. David had many enemies, but he knew he had safety in the Lord’s presence. A picture of an invited guest of the Lord’s banquet gives a picture of what we experience in heaven from Revelation 19:9:Then the angel said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!’ ” And he added, “These are the true words of God.”
- Being anointed by the Lord. David was anointed with oil and set apart to be the king of Israel. He knew he was chosen by God and as a result always was filled with the blessing of God. At our baptism, we were set apart by God as his child. We know, in spite of what anyone else would say, we are chosen children of God. The Apostle Paul to the Corinthians expressed it this way (2 Corinthians 1:21-22): Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.
- Goodness and love will follow us every day. Life may have its challenges and seasons that are not easy, but we are confident that goodness and love of God are not abandoning us, but rather walking with us. Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
- We get to dwell with the Lord forever. The best promise our Good Shepherd gives us is that after our journey through this life is over, our life begins in the presence of God forever. This is always the hope, joy and peace for a Christian. No matter what this life throws at us, we have a room being prepared for us in heaven that we will get to enjoy forever! The Apostle John records Jesus’ words (John 14:1-3): “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.
Summer break was always fun to look forward to after a long semester. How much more the blessings of our Good Shepherd to look forward to both during and especially after our journey through this life.
The Lord is YOUR shepherd. Enjoy life with him each day!
Apply: What blessing of the Lord given in Psalm 23:5-6 give your heart peace today?
Prayer: Lord, our Good Shepherd. Ensure my heart and mind are always focused on the blessings you give and you promise, even as I journey through the dark valleys of life. AMEN.