 |
| Here are some pictures taken at the Younger Kid's House. |
These words have been running through my head for the last four weeks. I think at least once a day they come to mind. Only one sentence, yet in this one sentence holds three powerful, and grounding truths, for me to live my life.
Psalm 23 is one of those "popular" chapters in the bible. It is one of those chapters pretty much every adult has spoken hundreds of times throughout their life. One that as rich as it is, is found in habit of being chanted off in monotone without giving a thought to WHY it is this chapter of the bible was taught to me.It seem that I have become quite good at having words fall out my mouth effortlessly and without a thought. I have become a skilled memorizer of truths like psalm 23 but missed out on being a learner of the truths.
This last month has been a time where God has been showing me he wants a student, not just memorization.
September 18th was my half way mark for my time in South Africa. At that half way mark I said goodbye to my dear friend and companion here: Laurie, when she retuned home to the States at the end of here time here.It was weird watching someone you have spent the last four months with hop on a plane.
We would always joke about being like a married couple, because maybe like married couples are, we spent pretty much ALL our time together apart from maybe 15 min in the bathroom in the mornings. :) So, as could be expected watching her leave was hard. Because all that time I spent with her would mean, not only not having my friend and helper around, but I would also be doing all these things alone.
I wasn't too thrilled about that, but we both knew that when we were planning to come to South Africa together and it was decided that I would be staying four months longer, we knew that God would have a purpose for me in that "alone" time.
As muh as I said I was excited for that time the Lord had prepared for me, I was also kind of scared and unsatisfied with the idea for it would force me to depend upon the Lord in a lot more areas of my life, that people usually fill.
As I anticipated, I grumbled, and pouted; showing that I really didn't accept this time that the Lord had planed as good, even if I said I did.
There I go again, chanting words carelessly without the learners heart, or ears attached.
But the Lord, pressed in upon that knowledge to penetrate my heart with the truth of who He is.
"The LORD is my shepherd.
I shall not be in want."
I will not be wanting.
The Lord is my shepherd, I will be satisfied in Him.
He will not leave me or forsake me. He will not leave me thirsty. I will not be lacking anything that I need.
Now the question is, will I take God at His word and actually believe He is what says He is? My shepherd who leads me beside still waters, and restores my soul? Will He lead me in paths of righteousness in South Africa, even if I struggle? Even when I mess up?
Is that my fear?
He is a faithful and loving shepherd. Not ONE of His sheep- His stupid, brainless, wondering sheep- does He leave. The Parable of The Lost Sheep LUKE 15
I do not need to fear for God is will me leading me.
And it says that this is for HIS name's sake (vs. 3). So that we might look upon the Good Shepherd, and worship-to make His name great among the earth.
I am one of those foolish, foolish sheep that keeps on wondering around trying to find water. When the LORD God all mighty leads me to the water I need for my tired, thirsty soul(vs.2). He is the LORD.
I don't just have any shepherd. But the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY (Tjo! Take a second to consider that!) leads me. The God of Abraham, Jacob and Isaac.
So, whether I chose to believe it or not Psalm 23 holds the truths of life that do not alter depending on my situation or feeling. God has given us His word in the Bible that we may learn of His character and the truth of is Name.
The truth is, Lord is my shepherd I WILL NOT be in want in South Africa. Because in Christ is the only source of all humanities satisfaction. And He will Lead me. My feet will not stumble. I shall not fear, for no matter what comes along, the Lord is with me( vs.4).
  |
| ( I did not take this photo, but it was found in the public domain of google images) |
What a shame the mindless chanting, and praise-less doing; But I am so thankful for the word of God teaching me, even the oldest lesson, a new application and call to faith.
PSALM 23
The Lord Is My Shepherd
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
3 He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
3 He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,[c]
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.
 |
