What a great new spin on TGIF! Cuz let's just be honest - many times when we don't see our problems immediately solved and forever fixed, we feel like God has either forgotten us or that he's ignoring us. It's hard to look at things or interpret life in any other way. Today's passage, however, provides us with a fresh perspective and challenges us to see things in a new way...God's way.
// READ & FEED: Today read Psalm 23 and pay special attention to the last 3 verses.
4 Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,[(the darkest valley]
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
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.
// JOURNAL: Green pastures and quiet waters are great... but more often than not, life can be more like a "walk through the valley of the shadow of death." (Psalm 23:4) Wouldn't you agree? In fact, what are some of the "valley" moments in your life and the lives of those closest to you? My work and the decision to leave -- my parent's marriage -- close friend and family members who are not in abiding relationships with Christ -- negotiating single motherhood -- the desire for my family to be complete and the hope of satisfaction in the lives of other sister's in Christ desiring the same - and just all the lonely, single women in the world - but foremost that we ALL truly understand how perfect and great is your love for us - that we desire that above all things -- the desire for Jonathan to grow up in the admonition and protection of the Lord in an evil world where innocent, young, Black men, like he will be one day, have to fight for their very survival, each and every day - hoping that he always has sense of the Lord's perfect power and protection over his life and never doubts how much our Father LOVES him and wants the very best for him. And are these areas you are fasting about during this Spring? In general - Yes.
Journal your thoughts about these 3 elements from today's passage:
* Why/how is it that the author (King David, once a shepherd boy) claims he "will fear no evil"? What are his reasons for such boldness and courage and how can they become YOUR reasons as well? David spoke of how the Lord delivered him from menances to the sheep and himself (wild animals) - how he always felt protected and delivered - that his courage was in the God almighty who had always taken care of him -- this he could pronounce from experience before facing the giant Goliath. He went toward him, running, with only a slingshot and a small stone, knowing that the victory was not in his hands, but in the great and powerful God who is always victorious!
* What is this passage saying about valleys, fears, and our enemies? Does God simply just snap his fingers and magically remove these elements from our lives? If not, what does God do instead? He gives us courage to face our enemies -- He encourages us to keep our eyes stayed on Him -- He reminds us that even though we will see evil, He has overcome the world -- He tells us that He will never leave us or forsake us -- He is with us always! Nothing can separate us from Him. He is our strength, our fortress, our shield, our mighty tower.
* Extra Credit: Grammar Lesson 101 - A subtle but profound shift takes place in the last 3 verses of Psalm 23. The author switches personal pronouns from the 3rd person ("HE" used in the first 3 verses) to the 2nd person ("YOU" used in the last 3 verses). Why do you suppose that's the case? What significance do you think this makes? What does this say about the author's relationship to God... especially during the "valley" moments of life? And what does this mean to YOU? LOOK TO GOD, not yourself, to anything, to any other person -- KEEP YOUR MIND and YOUR EYES STAYED on THEE!!! Make the Lord God Almighty my central focus at all times. Don't be frustrated or dismayed. Remember His promises. Declare the truth of His word. BE an example of faithfulness in God. Don't gripe, grumble, or complain. Praise Him in all things. Let His perfect power come through each and every situation. He is able. He is able!
// PRAY: What are you fasting for and praying about this Spring? Take a few moments right now to ask God to help you see, not just your troubling situation in a new way...but to see HIM in a new way. Take time to acknowledge God's presence and power right now. Resist the urge to approach him clinically or religiously. Instead run to him as a child would to his/her loving daddy... as a sheep to the caring and protective shepherd!
Take care of me Lord God. Take care of me and Jonathan. Take care of us with the perfect care only you can provide. Meet all of our needs according to your riches in Glory. Hold us tenderly, gently, with great love and affection. Call us your beloved -- speak it to our spirits all day long. Continue to make us the apple of your eye.
Gazing lovingly at me. Make me feel your love - always. I need it more than life itself. I need you so very, very, very, very much Lord. Meet me where I'm at and bring me ever more into where you are...
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