Worship: Make a Way, by Desperation Band
God from God
Light from Light
We believe in one Jesus Christ
Breaking through the darkest of nights to save
You alone can save
Light from Light
We believe in one Jesus Christ
Breaking through the darkest of nights to save
You alone can save
Hope from Hope
Strength from Strength
All our sin is dead in the grave
Only one has power enough to save
You alone can save
Strength from Strength
All our sin is dead in the grave
Only one has power enough to save
You alone can save
Where this is no way You make a way
Where no one else can reach us You find us
Where no one else can reach us You find us
Jesus, it’s always been You Jesus
It always is You Jesus
It always will be You
It always is You Jesus
It always will be You
Witness:
I skipped a day. Band of Brothers has started up again and I had no time for journaling. Lord order my steps in such a way that even on Thursdays for the next 10 weeks or so I will find time before I go to be prepared by being in Your word.
I am broke right now. I only have a few dollars in the bank. I had to use a credit card to buy gas. I don’t have money to buy food till next Thursday. However, the Lord is my Shepherd. Don’t believe it’s true? Monday when I had dinner with my mom she gave me eight hamburger patties, a package of Brats, a can of Beets, and some ice cream sandwiches to boot. Yesterday when I came into work I was given a whole 16 in. pizza because it was made incorrectly for the person who ordered it, so instead of throwing it out, my 1A kept it for me. So I am well supplied for food till Wednesday and beyond. Praise God my Shepherd who supplies all my needs, even food, according to His riches in Christ Jesus! (Philippians 4:19)
WORD:
1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 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. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. A Psalm of David. KJV |
2He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
4Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,a
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
5You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.
|
Let us take a look at where He leads and guides. David mentions 4 places: green pastures, still waters (quiet waters), paths of righteousness (right paths), valley of the shadow of death (darkest valley). Jamieson, Faussett, and Brown see these verses as stages of a believer’s growth.
Stage one:
Psalms 23:2
In green pastures … This, in the application to the believer, marks the first stage in his spiritual history-namely, when first he comes heavy laden to Christ, and finds rest to his soul (Matt 11:28-29).
Second Stage:
Psalms 23:2-4
The second stage in the believer's spiritual history, his restoration when out of the way, and his safe guidance through the darkest trails, and through death itself.
Third Stage:
Psalms 23:5-6
The third and crowning stage of the believer's history is the rich spiritual feast provided by God in heaven, of which even now a sweet foretaste is given.
(from Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown Commentary, Electronic Database. Copyright © 1997, 2003, 2005, 2006 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)
Unger’s Bible Handbook divides the Psalm in two. Verses 1-3 deal with assurance and verses 4-6 deal with comfort. (Unger’s Bible Handbook, by Merrill F. Unger, Moody Press, Chicago, 8th printing 1975, p. 277.)
These are helpful, but should not be pressed beyond simple guides to understanding the flow of the psalm. After all, does not assurance bring great comfort and comfort great assurance?
And even the new believer may face a dark valley early in their Christian walk.
I believe this is a good place to stop for today. Tomorrow, Lord willing, I will begin in the green pastures. A great place to start wouldn’t you agree?
As I close the words “You are faithful” are being sung. How appropriate!
No comments:
Post a Comment