"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." Psalm 23:4
The 23rd Psalm is one of the most beloved, recognized and memorized passage of Scripture in all of the Bible. It is the "go to" resource in times of fear, sorrow, grief and pain when strength and reassurance are needed. It is also a source of great encouragement and a reminder of the provision, protection and great love of God toward his own.
As we endure the COVID-19 induced crisis, we find ourselves in the midst of the worst human and economic tragedy of our lifetime. People are dying, losing loved ones, and losing jobs, homes and hope. It is at times like these that the 23rd Psalm breaks through like the rotating beam of a cliff top lighthouse in the midst of a tempestuous storm, verse 4 in particular.
I marvel at the power and depth of the verse. Essentially it supplies that we can be fearless in the darkest of circumstances (as dark as death itself), due to the presence, care and leadership of God. To get the full impact of what is being expressed, it is important to know that God is our personal Shepherd whose function is to care for his sheep. He does so by personally guiding us to places of rest, sustenance and refreshment. It is also important to know that the path on which he leads us is one of righteousness. It is while following that Shepherd on that path that we can find ourselves in "the valley of the shadow of death." That tells us that 1) the path of righteousness can go through some very dark places, but it is no less the path of righteousness and 2) that no matter how dark the times or places, the Shepherd has not abandoned us but goes ahead of us, protecting us and charting our course to light. If a third consideration were to be added, it would be that as long as we stay on the path and keep the Shepherd in front of us, there is no cause for fear at all.
Beloved, having recently done an in depth study of this passage, it has become one of the most significant in my life. I have always known that it was there but I now have a fuller understanding of what it means, particularly in dark times like these. It is my prayer that you would take another look and reconsider what the Spirit of God is revealing to you.
May we all find confidence, comfort and peace in the presence, protection and provision of our Lord.
Increasing in faith,
Lee
Showing posts with label Difficult times. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Difficult times. Show all posts
Saturday, April 25, 2020
Monday, May 6, 2013
Trust Him 5/6/2013
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Phil 4:6-7
There is a young man with whom I am acquainted that happens to be going through some very challenging times. The pain in his life has caused him to question God. It is not that he questions the existence of God but the presence of God.
Beloved, there are times in each of our lives when, for one cause or another, that we become very uncomfortable. Whether it is physical pain, emotional turmoil or mental exasperation, we who find it quite natural to want to avoid discomfort find ourselves appealing to God to make it all go away. We must not think of God as some magical creature who, like a genie in a bottle, pops out and grants our wishes whenever we call him. If that were the case, the Almighty Creator of the universe would be little more than the kid at the fast food restaurant that puts burgers and fries in the bag for us and we would be gods.
God is most certainly present throughout our daily lives even when we may feel that he is missing, especially during our troubled times. Our faith must give us the assurance that he is ever with us and is working things out for our good. Throughout Joseph's troubled life of hatred by his brothers, being kidnapped at their hands, being placed in servitude, accused of immorality and even imprisoned, God was not only with him the whole time, but was preparing him to save not one, but two nations. Without his troubles and God's presence, it would not have been possible. It was the difficult and painful times that gave him the knowledge and the experience to succeed.
So to all who may be in a tough spot right now, trust him.
Committed,
Lee
There is a young man with whom I am acquainted that happens to be going through some very challenging times. The pain in his life has caused him to question God. It is not that he questions the existence of God but the presence of God.
Beloved, there are times in each of our lives when, for one cause or another, that we become very uncomfortable. Whether it is physical pain, emotional turmoil or mental exasperation, we who find it quite natural to want to avoid discomfort find ourselves appealing to God to make it all go away. We must not think of God as some magical creature who, like a genie in a bottle, pops out and grants our wishes whenever we call him. If that were the case, the Almighty Creator of the universe would be little more than the kid at the fast food restaurant that puts burgers and fries in the bag for us and we would be gods.
God is most certainly present throughout our daily lives even when we may feel that he is missing, especially during our troubled times. Our faith must give us the assurance that he is ever with us and is working things out for our good. Throughout Joseph's troubled life of hatred by his brothers, being kidnapped at their hands, being placed in servitude, accused of immorality and even imprisoned, God was not only with him the whole time, but was preparing him to save not one, but two nations. Without his troubles and God's presence, it would not have been possible. It was the difficult and painful times that gave him the knowledge and the experience to succeed.
So to all who may be in a tough spot right now, trust him.
Committed,
Lee
Monday, April 9, 2012
Follow the Light-4/9/2012
"From Your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." Psa 119:104-105
There are so many today who are lost within their own lives. A variety of decisions, circumstances and situations have put us all where we are but what next? We sometimes stumble around in darkness thinking we know the well worn path only to bump into an obstacle for which we did not account.
Beloved there is a light that shines brightly. That light provides guidance in the middle of the night, illumination in the middle of confusion and direction in the middle of uncertainty. It identifies obstacles and makes the way forward obvious. It is the word of God that shows us the way that we should go. Just as we would grab a flashlight in the nighttime wilderness or turn on a light in our home in the middle of the night, let us always avail ourselves of the brightness of His word to guide our every step.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
There are so many today who are lost within their own lives. A variety of decisions, circumstances and situations have put us all where we are but what next? We sometimes stumble around in darkness thinking we know the well worn path only to bump into an obstacle for which we did not account.
Beloved there is a light that shines brightly. That light provides guidance in the middle of the night, illumination in the middle of confusion and direction in the middle of uncertainty. It identifies obstacles and makes the way forward obvious. It is the word of God that shows us the way that we should go. Just as we would grab a flashlight in the nighttime wilderness or turn on a light in our home in the middle of the night, let us always avail ourselves of the brightness of His word to guide our every step.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
The Temporary Nature of Trials-DD 5/11/2011
"But God remembered Noah and all the beasts and all the cattle that were with him in the ark; and God caused a wind to pass over the earth, and the water subsided." Gen 8:1
There is a saying often heard from the wise and experienced lips of older women in southern congregations, "Trouble don't last always." While we are in the midst of times, trials and tribulations, it seems as though they are never ending. We sometimes feel as though we will never survive our circumstances. Things can be so onerous that we wonder if God is angry with us or has just forgotten us. With the recent storms and current floods in this country, these feelings are likely very topical to some.
Beloved, we assign many things to God. To be sure, there are definitely times when He expresses Himself through the conditions that afflict us, as was done with the great flood, the captivities of Israel, the loss of battles and even the collapse of the family unit in David's case. Before we look to Him, however, we must first examine ourselves. This is not to say that all sin results in calamity or all calamity is sourced in sin. Nevertheless, we as God's children must look in the mirror constantly to see whether we can be found in His will or not.
In any case, suffering is temporary. The psalmist has said, "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning" Psa 30:5. Time after time God has relented from His anger and swept us up in His arms, expressing His love in ways that exceed our imagination. Think about your own life. How many difficulties can you look back on today because you are no longer suffering from them. Further, how much better off are you today? Job's whole world was ripped apart, but we know that he was in a greater position after calamity than he ever was before. If by narrow chance, you have suffered your whole life but have remained faithful, you still have Lazarus' reward to which to look forward.
Have faith in the Lord. Endure the storms that will inevitably come for a reason or a season. Then enjoy the restoration and bounty that lies beneath every rainbow that he casts.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
There is a saying often heard from the wise and experienced lips of older women in southern congregations, "Trouble don't last always." While we are in the midst of times, trials and tribulations, it seems as though they are never ending. We sometimes feel as though we will never survive our circumstances. Things can be so onerous that we wonder if God is angry with us or has just forgotten us. With the recent storms and current floods in this country, these feelings are likely very topical to some.
Beloved, we assign many things to God. To be sure, there are definitely times when He expresses Himself through the conditions that afflict us, as was done with the great flood, the captivities of Israel, the loss of battles and even the collapse of the family unit in David's case. Before we look to Him, however, we must first examine ourselves. This is not to say that all sin results in calamity or all calamity is sourced in sin. Nevertheless, we as God's children must look in the mirror constantly to see whether we can be found in His will or not.
In any case, suffering is temporary. The psalmist has said, "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning" Psa 30:5. Time after time God has relented from His anger and swept us up in His arms, expressing His love in ways that exceed our imagination. Think about your own life. How many difficulties can you look back on today because you are no longer suffering from them. Further, how much better off are you today? Job's whole world was ripped apart, but we know that he was in a greater position after calamity than he ever was before. If by narrow chance, you have suffered your whole life but have remained faithful, you still have Lazarus' reward to which to look forward.
Have faith in the Lord. Endure the storms that will inevitably come for a reason or a season. Then enjoy the restoration and bounty that lies beneath every rainbow that he casts.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Handling the Little Things-DD 3/22/11
"He said, " Naked I came from my mother's womb, And naked I shall return there. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord." Through all this Job did not sin nor did he blame God." Job 1:21-22
Most everyone is familiar with the story of Job. We seek or are referred to his story during times of duress and great tribulation. We are fascinated by the depth and breadth of his calamities. We are also fascinated by the grace and humility with which he faced them. He always kept God at the forefront. These thousands of years later, we still draw strength from his life.
This is presented not to give us inspiration to endure our lowest lows, but to cast in relief our smaller trials. Let us consider the things that send us off the deep end. We are subject to road rage in traffic. We often argue with the ones we love over trivialities. We are ready to feud if someone slights us socially. If the boss has a less than complementary word for us, it turns into a bad day for everyone with whom we come into contact. If our child has a disappointing showing on the field of play, we forget how proud we are to have them as flesh of our flesh.
Beloved, we spend an inordinate amount of our time majoring in minor. Let us not allow the smaller things to be blown out of proportion. To be sure, the significant accidents, diagnoses, employment situations, losses, etc., will come to us personally or to someone with whom we are close. Proportional reactions in those case would be able to be understood by anyone. Remember, however, the grace with which Job handled the worst incidents imaginable. Consider then, how would he have handled the smaller things.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Most everyone is familiar with the story of Job. We seek or are referred to his story during times of duress and great tribulation. We are fascinated by the depth and breadth of his calamities. We are also fascinated by the grace and humility with which he faced them. He always kept God at the forefront. These thousands of years later, we still draw strength from his life.
This is presented not to give us inspiration to endure our lowest lows, but to cast in relief our smaller trials. Let us consider the things that send us off the deep end. We are subject to road rage in traffic. We often argue with the ones we love over trivialities. We are ready to feud if someone slights us socially. If the boss has a less than complementary word for us, it turns into a bad day for everyone with whom we come into contact. If our child has a disappointing showing on the field of play, we forget how proud we are to have them as flesh of our flesh.
Beloved, we spend an inordinate amount of our time majoring in minor. Let us not allow the smaller things to be blown out of proportion. To be sure, the significant accidents, diagnoses, employment situations, losses, etc., will come to us personally or to someone with whom we are close. Proportional reactions in those case would be able to be understood by anyone. Remember, however, the grace with which Job handled the worst incidents imaginable. Consider then, how would he have handled the smaller things.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Thursday, March 17, 2011
God is Calling-DD 3/17/2011
"My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge." Hos 4:6
The people were surely in a sad state of affairs when the prophet Hosea penned these words. He was directed by God to communicate to the people that He was angry with them. He said, "For the Lord has a case against the inhabitants of the land, Because there is no faithfulness or kindness or knowledge of God in the land. There is swearing, deception, murder, stealing and adultery. They employ violence, so that bloodshed follows bloodshed." These words were written in the 8th century BC.
It is unnecessary to compare what the state of things were then to what they are now. It is necessary to point out that God was telling the people then as now to turn from wicked ways and embrace Him who created us. The context is that He suffers when we are unfaithful to Him, He cannot condone sin and that he will never cease to love His own. He constantly seeks to win back those who have forsaken Him. Do any of us deserve such love and long suffering?
Beloved God is calling upon us to invest time, effort and energy into knowing Him and His ways. Paul exhorts us to not be foolish but understand what the will of the Lord is. In Him we live and move and have our being. Without Him we are certainly doomed.
Let us not repeat the mistakes committed centuries ago. Let us gain knowledge of our Redeemer. Therein lies protection, security, love, provision and abundance. Brothers and sisters, we need not perish. We need not perish at all.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
The people were surely in a sad state of affairs when the prophet Hosea penned these words. He was directed by God to communicate to the people that He was angry with them. He said, "For the Lord has a case against the inhabitants of the land, Because there is no faithfulness or kindness or knowledge of God in the land. There is swearing, deception, murder, stealing and adultery. They employ violence, so that bloodshed follows bloodshed." These words were written in the 8th century BC.
It is unnecessary to compare what the state of things were then to what they are now. It is necessary to point out that God was telling the people then as now to turn from wicked ways and embrace Him who created us. The context is that He suffers when we are unfaithful to Him, He cannot condone sin and that he will never cease to love His own. He constantly seeks to win back those who have forsaken Him. Do any of us deserve such love and long suffering?
Beloved God is calling upon us to invest time, effort and energy into knowing Him and His ways. Paul exhorts us to not be foolish but understand what the will of the Lord is. In Him we live and move and have our being. Without Him we are certainly doomed.
Let us not repeat the mistakes committed centuries ago. Let us gain knowledge of our Redeemer. Therein lies protection, security, love, provision and abundance. Brothers and sisters, we need not perish. We need not perish at all.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Is Anything Too Hard For the Lord?-DD 2/3/2011
"Is any thing too hard for the Lord?" Gen 18:14
The Lord had just appeared to Abraham on His way to Sodom and Gomorrah. As He enjoyed Abraham's hospitality, He informed him that despite his age of nearly 100 years that He would indeed give him a son by his nearly 90 year old wife. Sarah overhead this exchange and was clearly amused. The Lord inquired about Sarah's laughter.
Many of us fail to understand the might and power of our God. Sarah thought she was far beyond her child bearing years. Her amusement quickly gave way to another emotion when God called her on it. The point here is that the greatness of God is certainly seen in creation, but the significance is seen in our daily lives. God made a promise to (a) man and fully intended to keep it. The expression of His power is most seen when ordinary things happen under the most extraordinary circumstances. It was common for a woman to have a baby, but at nearly a century old? It was common to have wine at a wedding but made from water? It was common for storms to rise up, but to be able to walk on them?
Beloved, we often despair in our various situations and circumstances despite our status as children of the Almighty. When told that God will deliver us, we may even, like Sarah, laugh and simply point out the impossibility of our situation. It may very well be that the response, whether spoken or not, will be the same that Sarah received: "Is anything too hard for the Lord?"
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
The Lord had just appeared to Abraham on His way to Sodom and Gomorrah. As He enjoyed Abraham's hospitality, He informed him that despite his age of nearly 100 years that He would indeed give him a son by his nearly 90 year old wife. Sarah overhead this exchange and was clearly amused. The Lord inquired about Sarah's laughter.
Many of us fail to understand the might and power of our God. Sarah thought she was far beyond her child bearing years. Her amusement quickly gave way to another emotion when God called her on it. The point here is that the greatness of God is certainly seen in creation, but the significance is seen in our daily lives. God made a promise to (a) man and fully intended to keep it. The expression of His power is most seen when ordinary things happen under the most extraordinary circumstances. It was common for a woman to have a baby, but at nearly a century old? It was common to have wine at a wedding but made from water? It was common for storms to rise up, but to be able to walk on them?
Beloved, we often despair in our various situations and circumstances despite our status as children of the Almighty. When told that God will deliver us, we may even, like Sarah, laugh and simply point out the impossibility of our situation. It may very well be that the response, whether spoken or not, will be the same that Sarah received: "Is anything too hard for the Lord?"
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)