I was frustrated I couldn't find my colored pencils this a.m. I simply can go no further in Esther or I Peter until I find those things. ::snort::
I read Psalm 23. Here are a few thoughts.
Verses 1- 3
I have a GOOD Shepherd.
Shepherds lead - really good shepherds - really lead.
I am not in my current situation because of rebellion. If I were, I would label it as sin and repent. I'm not in my current situation because of a freak of nature. My Shepherd leads. He goes AHEAD.
I can be so secure, so content, so satisfied with my Shepherd's presence that I rest in the middle of lush feeding grounds. I don't have to worry about provision - the Shepherd has always been there.
He restores me soul.
He guides me in righteousness.
Many would like to camp out right here. Many would like to skip verses 4 and 5 and go directly to verse 6.....many attempt to do this in their personal theology.....
Verse 4 - 5
Sometimes we find ourselves in the valley of the shadow of death. It is not death. Thank God that death is conquered. We do not grieve as those without hope. It is only the SHADOW of death; the shadow can be painful.
Sometimes we find ourselves in the presence of enemies.
Where IS my Shepherd? Did he lead me HERE or did I just stumble into this valley?
My Shepherd is IN the valley. His rod and staff are still guiding, protecting, and comforting me. His presence is still my great joy. I can be secure, content, and satisfied in the middle of the valley. He leads. He isn't running behind my circumstances. He has PREPARED food, comfort, nourishment, and fellowship for me in the valley - in the presence of my enemies.
He anoints my head with oil (oil often symbolizes the presence of the Holy Spirit - many believe). My cup is overflowing. I'm content, but I'm not content with scraps. My Shepherd is taking good care of me....right in the middle of verses 4 and 5....in the valley with shadows and enemies.
And eventually I will reach verse 6. Goodness and mercy (loving kindness) will follow me as I follow the Shepherd wherever He leads. Honestly, they follow me now. Ultimately, I will dwell in His house, in His intimate presence forever.
I can trust Him - in all things - in all situations - in all pain. I can find rest. I can choose contentment as I surrender to His care. So can you. It's all about surrender. If you need to have a spiritual temper tantrum - get alone with Him, voice your fears and disappointments. He can handle it. But remember - it will come down to your heart. Is He Lord? Is He God all by Himself? It will come down to surrender. I find rest, peace, joy, contentment, and a host of other really good things....as I surrender right there in the midst of the yuck!
PS - promise not to preach any more on my blog today.
I read Psalm 23. Here are a few thoughts.
Verses 1- 3
I have a GOOD Shepherd.
Shepherds lead - really good shepherds - really lead.
I am not in my current situation because of rebellion. If I were, I would label it as sin and repent. I'm not in my current situation because of a freak of nature. My Shepherd leads. He goes AHEAD.
I can be so secure, so content, so satisfied with my Shepherd's presence that I rest in the middle of lush feeding grounds. I don't have to worry about provision - the Shepherd has always been there.
He restores me soul.
He guides me in righteousness.
Many would like to camp out right here. Many would like to skip verses 4 and 5 and go directly to verse 6.....many attempt to do this in their personal theology.....
Verse 4 - 5
Sometimes we find ourselves in the valley of the shadow of death. It is not death. Thank God that death is conquered. We do not grieve as those without hope. It is only the SHADOW of death; the shadow can be painful.
Sometimes we find ourselves in the presence of enemies.
Where IS my Shepherd? Did he lead me HERE or did I just stumble into this valley?
My Shepherd is IN the valley. His rod and staff are still guiding, protecting, and comforting me. His presence is still my great joy. I can be secure, content, and satisfied in the middle of the valley. He leads. He isn't running behind my circumstances. He has PREPARED food, comfort, nourishment, and fellowship for me in the valley - in the presence of my enemies.
He anoints my head with oil (oil often symbolizes the presence of the Holy Spirit - many believe). My cup is overflowing. I'm content, but I'm not content with scraps. My Shepherd is taking good care of me....right in the middle of verses 4 and 5....in the valley with shadows and enemies.
And eventually I will reach verse 6. Goodness and mercy (loving kindness) will follow me as I follow the Shepherd wherever He leads. Honestly, they follow me now. Ultimately, I will dwell in His house, in His intimate presence forever.
I can trust Him - in all things - in all situations - in all pain. I can find rest. I can choose contentment as I surrender to His care. So can you. It's all about surrender. If you need to have a spiritual temper tantrum - get alone with Him, voice your fears and disappointments. He can handle it. But remember - it will come down to your heart. Is He Lord? Is He God all by Himself? It will come down to surrender. I find rest, peace, joy, contentment, and a host of other really good things....as I surrender right there in the midst of the yuck!
PS - promise not to preach any more on my blog today.
13 comments:
Preach Away De'Etta! I've needed it. If you read my blog you'll see why. I've been having a temper tantrum....ahhh...but God is so good and so faithful! He is so big and even bigger when I get my flesh out of the way!
I threw a fit at the throne of God last night - like the above poster, you can read about it on my blog if you want - but I needed to be reminded this morning that God is bigger than my situation and that my God is bigger than my fear of losing another child.
Thanks for preaching this morning!
Thoughtful Mom - read your blog and am praying for the health of your babies.
Please don't stop! I really needed to hear this today, although my struggles aren't nearly as difficult as what you have been going through. Bless you!
Great post, De'Etta. I hope you don't mind I quoted you on my blog today--your thoughts were just too close to what the Lord was pointing out to me this morning to pass up the opportunity!
I appreciate your posting this. Last night after all were off to bed I put the headphones on and used song worship to release the world's tensions. A Mark Shultz song stuck with me. "He Will Carry Me."
"And even though I'm walking through the valley of the shadow, I will hold tight to the hand of Him whose love will comfort me...."
I am one who needs preaching! Well done.
God is soooo good! And I am so blessed to have Him as my savior. Thank you for your thoughts, De'Etta! Continue preaching to us!
Ah - you all are sweet. I guess I'm not sure what this blog is...part daily fun for family, preaching, book discussion...what is it's purpose....guess it simply reflects whatever I'm doing that day?
Your blog is a blessing to me. I think that I had this same thing happen in my hospital blog. A spiritual temper tantrum is a good name for it. Those were hard times. I hate that any of us have to go through such pain.
Blessings,
Lisa
Wow, Laura, I'm honored to be on your blog. Thanks.
Darshia, I love that song - I've been singing it since reading your comment. I'll have to see if I can find it for the blog.
Susan - yes GOD IS SO GOOD! There is absolutely no evil in him.
Lisa - isn't it funny that we've all done it but are pretty sure we're the only ones who ever think these things????
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