Recently I was diagnosed with an ailment that was causing me constant pain in my knee, a slight limp and worrisome thoughts that I might need some type of surgery or serious medications. Once defined as a common but painful situation I was relieved but still anxious. I shared my plight with a few friends and immediately they all voiced ideas and one said, “Oh, I had that and I got over it ; you will too”. I immediately felt lighter and a sense of hope.
One of the world’s most loved Christmas carols, “O, Holy Night” has the line. “A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices, for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!”. I understand a little better the idea of “A thrill of hope”. Things will get better, the future is brighter, wounds will be made whole, illnesses healed. Yonder, in the manger lies the answer, a new and glorious morn! It was the night of our dear Saviors birth! No matter how long we have lain in our sin and error , HE has appeared, and our souls are worthy through HIM!! Trust in this Child of the virgin, this sacrifice of the cross! There is the thrill of hope for all our situations. They will either be resolved here or in eternity. You will “get over it’ like my unexpected diagnosis, the pain will be relieved in time. God’s time.
So, even though I will need to carefully fall on my knees, I want to proclaim with those angel voices, “O night divine, O, Holy Night, when Christ was born!!
I don’t like being a sheep…not at all! Being a sheep doesn’t seem to me to be any kind of achievement, nor do I consider that comparison a compliment. However, the Bible says that I am a sheep. I get lost easily. I’m equally helpless, gullible, and I can’t survive alone. I need a shepherd. The Bible says I have a Shepherd, and the best one out there. My Shepherd is a good shepherd, Jehovah Raah, and because He is my Shepherd, this psalm is my prayer, my comfort through life as much as He was for King David. God is my Shepherd and I shall not want. He cares for me. He provides my every need, and like Paul I can say I know what it is to be in need, I know what it is to have plenty, but I have learned to be content in my Lord. When my soul is battered, tired and weighed down, He leads to green pastures and still waters. When I’m with Him, my soul is restored and I gain strength to move forward. He leads me in the paths of righteousness, because He chooses me to bring glory to His name.
Tough times will come, and unfortunately valleys of death are all around us, but I’m not afraid because my Shepherd is with me. He is my shield and my comfort. He is the One who defends and exalts me in the midst of my enemies. My life is filled with blessings, and that effects everything around me.
How can we live out this psalm in everyday life?
First, we can confess that we are sheep, we can’t do it alone, and that we need a shepherd.
Then we can thank the Lord, because He is our good Shepherd, and we can read this psalm through the coming days thinking about our wonderful Shepherd. This will completely change our perspective, the way we live and how cope with problems of this world.
Romans 8:38-39For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all Creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Joshua 1:5No one will be able to sand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.
Isaiah 49:15-16Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of My Hands.
Can I encourage you to meditate on the above scriptures. How amazing is it, that NOTHING can separate us from God’s love. No matter where we are at or what is happening or how we are feeling. His LOVE for us remains as strong as ever. Let this divine assurance of His love trickle through your mind and into your heart and soul.
Whenever you start to feel afraid or anxious about your future, repeat this unconditional promise: “Nothing can separate me from Your Love, Jesus.”
Be assured today that your Heavenly Father never abandons any of His children not even momentarily.
Today the Father would speak personally to you and this is what He is saying. “My daughter, I will never leave you or forsake you! My presence watches over you continually. I have engraved you on the palms of MY Hands”
Let God’s word drive you forward. His Word is Powerful, declare it over yourself and your family.
Always keep your eyes on Jesus.
Much love Grethe
