17 November, 2013 Resources for Life’s Journey Greetings! Today we praise God for the opportunity to take a peek into King David’s spiritual journal to learn how he was able to stay strong through the tough experiences of life. The context of Psalm 23 is found in 2 Samuel 15 when David’s son, Absolom coveted what did not belong to him – this turned to deceit – then to dishonesty – followed by the worst kind of betrayal – of his own father. Beware of coveting what doesn’t belong to you. It sets you on a slippery slope of a downward spiritual spiral. During the time he was on the run from Absolom who was trying to kill him, David wrote Psalm 23 and knew that God was shepherding him in the same way he took care of his sheep. David draws his strength from God who as his Amba Shepherd - Official is his: * Protector * Carer * Nurturer * Nourisher * Provider * Healer * Comforter * Helper * Friend We can follow David in remembering that “The Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything that I need. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honour to His name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for You are close beside me. Your rod and Your staff protect and comfort me.” The darkest valley is a reference to the Valley of Baca in Psalm 84: 5-6. It is any hard, difficult and fearful experience where things seem hopeless and you feel helpless. When surrendered into the hands of the Shepherd, these experiences teach us about God’s faithfulness and blessing. Verse 5 brings us back to 2 Samuel 17 where David, his family and his army are in the desert, exhausted from dodging Absolom, and out of supplies. Three strangers appear in the middle of this ulu place. Verses 28–29 - The gifts they brought for David: “They brought sleeping mats, cooking pots, serving bowls, wheat and barley, flour and roasted grain, beans, lentils, honey, butter, sheep and goats and cheese for David and those who were with him. For they said, “You must be very hungry and tired and thirsty after your long march through the wilderness.” On the strength of these unexpected provisions, David’s army faced the enemy and Absolom was killed. That’s why David says, “You prepare a feast before me in the presence of my enemies.” He ends with this entry in his spiritual journal: “You honour me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessing. Surely Your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.” This is our God. Trust Him and rejoice in His love and provision for our every need. God bless you! Ruth Pascoe, Major
Posted on: Sun, 17 Nov 2013 01:24:50 +0000
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