The Lord is My Shepherd: Part 2

 "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" Psalm 23:4. This verse is, perhaps, the most familiar of Psalm 23. It's often quoted at memorial services or memorized from childhoods. We all face dark valleys in our lives and this promise can bring peace and comfort in the face of unknowns. 

David, the shepherd boy, understood this reality when he authored this psalm. He knew that pastures eventually became bare and he would need to guide his flock to the high country in the mountains. With his rod and his staff, he would lead and protect his flock throughout the journey. 

And we can trust God to do the same. He will lead us to the high country. Yes, the journey will take us through rugged ravines and dark valleys, but He will be there, guiding us through it all. Remember, God will lead us through...not around these valleys of heartache, grief, or death of a dream. There is something beautiful and holy about the refining process. Of course, it's not easy or even wanted, but when we truly place the process in our Shepherd's hands we know that the end result will be beneficial to our growth and faith journey. 

"I will fear no evil" is likely a phrase many of us have vocalized or internalized, especially over the past 12 months. Fear is something that can grip or consume many of us, although our triggers can vary. Maybe it's crowds, or sickness, public speaking, or fear of the unknown. Perhaps it's taking a new job, moving, or finding a spouse. Maybe it's something as simple as driving or even leaving the house. The source of our fear may seem small to others, but if it paralyzes us from taking action, makes our hearts race, or causes sickness to our stomach, we know that there is nothing "small" in that. 

In his book, "Traveling Light" Max looks at the image of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, moments before His arrest. Perhaps, we have been led astray by the peaceful image from paintings of this moment in time.

The truth of the matter is, Jesus was so anguished he sweat drops of blood. Doctors describe this condition as hematidrosis, which is the release of chemicals that break down the capillaries in the sweat glands. When moments of severe anxiety cause this, the sweat comes out tinged with blood. Jesus felt this fear, but he didn't mask this behind false confidence. He humbly cried out to His father. 

When we feel fear, do we first turn to God? Or do we turn to a friend, or maybe a self-help book, perhaps a counselor, or maybe drown it out with alcohol or mind-numbing social media scrolling? Instead, may we find comfort in our loving Shepherd, who is with us and promises to protect us. He won't find our fears ridiculous or urge us to "toughen up"! He understands our fear and wants us to open our hearts and surrender them to Him. Don't look at the size of the mountain in front of you, but talk to the One who can move it!

"You are with me". If you recall the life of David, there were many days and nights he felt lonely. He was the forgotten, youngest son of Jesse and he ran from Saul for many years hiding in caves. Loneliness is not necessarily the absence of people or relationships, but the absence of intimacy. People can have hundreds of Facebook friends, but still feel very lonely if they are disconnected from true physical friendships or relationships.

This is why it is so important to grasp how wide and deep God's love is for YOU! The Creator of the Universe is madly and deeply in love with YOU! Your family and friends may betray you, but He NEVER will. His love is not based on performance or beauty; it's unstopable and unbreakable.When you can accept this true and unconditional love, you will no longer find yourself desperate for the love of others.

I'll close with the writing that my grandma shared with me, continued from my last post:

Psalm 23:4

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death (that's testing!)

I will fear no evil. (That's protection!)

For You are with me (That's faithfulness!)

Your rod and your staff, they comfort me. (That's discipline!)