Psalm 23 is a favorite of many. Quite a while ago I used photos to lead us through the first half of the Psalm. At last I have the second half.
4 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.
When our circumstances seem dark and hopeless, those are the times we need to question our perspective, not our Maker’s. King David also sang in Psalm 139: 11 If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night, 12 even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you.” That is why he was not afraid in the darkest valley. He knew our Creator with more than head knowledge, but also with experiential knowledge.
For those who have yet to experience the true love of God, it is far too easy to become buried under our circumstances. When we lose sight of the greatness and love of God we tend settle into the lies that there is no hope and we are alone. But God tells us the truth is: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11) And Jesus said, “I will never leave you” several times.
As we learn to keep our eyes on the truth, we begin to see the provision for our needs. When I was going through a very difficult season a few years ago I was confused and was relearning how to fix my eyes, physical and spiritual eyes on our God who loves us. Just like a spinning ballerina needs to find a focal point to keep upright, I was tempted to drown in worry for my future and at times even for my physical needs like food. Verse five was made real to me:
5 You prepare a feast for me
in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
I received gifts of different kinds and a supermarket gift card that allow me to have a bonafide feast for Thanksgiving. That was one of the most tangible experiences of the Love of God for me. Knowing that God knew my circumstances and then met my needs so clearly, filled me with hope. I could celebrate His goodness in spite of the persistence of challenging circumstances.
That experience and other demonstrations of the kindness of God have helped me regain focus and balance. I truly believe King David’s closing stanza to God in Psalm 23… because I have lived it:
6 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.
How has God allowed you to experience His love for you in unforgettable ways?
