Psalm 23:3-6
One
of the greatest problems for Jesus-followers today is that we aren’t ready for
the spiritual journey ahead. We too often become complacent in our walk. We
make time for everything else in our lives, but we don’t make time for
refueling and re-energizing. We fill our calendars with pursuits of every
imaginable shape and size, and in doing
so we push our spiritual health to the back-burner. Jesus’ words “Seek first”
are ringing in my ears.
We
all want stability in our lives, even if that stability is constant change.
Only a few personality types thrive on the unexpected and dangerous. The rest
of us want to calculate our risk. We don’t necessarily avoid risk, but we do
want to have some idea about the probability of success. We want to know the
reason for the risk; we don’t want to put our life on the line for nothing.
This
much loved psalm continues to talk about the LORD’s care and protection in our
lives. He provides us with the refreshing that we need. But He does this in
order to guide us on our journey. We can’t stay in the green pastures forever.
Once we are refreshed it is time for the journey. Some people want to camp out
on the mountaintop experiences of life. They want to stay on the vacations
forever. But life isn’t one big long vacation.
This
is where relationship with the Shepherd is needed. He promises to guide us on safe
paths. They are safe because He is with us. Even the darkest places, the most
dangerous spots in life can feel safe if we are with Him.
One
of the most dangerous places in the ancient world for a traveler was a steep
valley or ravine. It is easy for an enemy to ambush you from above. They can
cut off the entrance and exit and you are a sitting duck. Even in Afghanistan’s
mountainous regions today, soldiers hate these types of valleys. And
Afghanistan is filled with these things. We always want to put one of our
people up on top of the cliff to keep watch and provide a set of eyes.
Just
like sheep, in order for us to grow we must move. We can’t stay in the same
pasture forever. No matter how comfortable our current circumstance, growth
requires movement. And for a sheep, movement means that the shepherd is with
them. The shepherd’s walking stick and protective weapon, his rod and staff,
are there to keep me safe. And when I am safe I feel comforted.
Sheep
have few defenses. They are easy prey for a wolf or other predator. That is why
the shepherd is armed. So even when the enemy is close at hand the sheep can
graze and rest securely. The wolves wouldn’t dare attack when the shepherd is
awake and vigilant. We are the honored guests at His banquet. That is what the
oil did in their day. The honored guests would have perfume put on their head,
something that they liked. I am not sure I want someone pouring scented oil on
my head, but that is me. But I do like it when someone honors me with a meal
and makes me feel special.
The
reward of a life as a sheep is present both now and in the future. How can we
not experience blessing when the Creator of the Universe is at our side. He is
able to satisfy our deepest longings. He has enough to fill life’s cup so that
we are satisfied with His provision.
Are
you willing to submit to the Shepherd’s guidance?