The 23rd Psalm (Part 1)

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Psalm 23: 1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. (NKJV)

There have been times in my life that I often didn’t make it beyond “The Lord is my shepherd”.  Trials and tribulations were so very intense that I knew all I had was the shepherd Himself to guide me and watch over me as He led me down His path.  The path was full of major obstacles.  But He guided me all the way.  There were times I didn’t know what He was doing and I took control myself thinking I had a better way.  Shortly thereafter I relinquished control back to my shepherd and let Him guide me, teaching me along the way.  He taught me about His grace, love, and His passion for my heart.  He showed me that I would have no need for anything else but Him.  “I shall not want” became very clear, as I understood more how the shepherd teaches.

God teaches by example a lot of the time.  It is His training grounds for our hearts.  Often times we don’t want to go there, but He is there calling us to follow Him.  God ALWAYS knows what is best for us and we must be willing to trust Him for the outcome in all things. In pain and agony of a lost loved one, He is there.  As we watch our loved ones struggle with a dreaded disease, He is there.  As we experience a job loss, or family issues involving unsaved loved ones, He is still there.  He promises to never leave us nor forsake us (Heb. 13:5).  As hard as it may be to believe as we are going through the midst of a major trial and tribulation in our own lives…HE is still there, comforting us, sustaining us, uplifting us to Himself, drawing us through the cleansing fire.  Yes, it hurts.  Been there, done that.  But God was and is ALWAYS there. We may never understand why God does what He does in our lives until we reach the other side.  But the journey, I assure you it is for our benefit and the benefit of those around us…those we love.  Remember this, God is with you.  Trust Him today.  Cast all your cares upon Him for He cares for you (1 Pet. 5:7).  You will find strength for your journey with God, in the reading of His Holy Word….the Bible.  Your journey may be long and you may be in it right now, but don’t lose heart.  It is in those times that God is about to reveal His greatest purpose, (Gal. 6:9).

Prayer:  Dear God, Often times I don’t understand why You do what You do, but help me to trust You more.  Help me to understand Your love for my heart as You draw me near.  Give me the courage and strength to support others through their trials and tribulations.  And give me the grace to face my own journey…..with You.  I love You, Lord Jesus, in whose name I pray, AMEN!

May God richly bless us as we continue seek His will, and His way, through His Word.

Have a GREAT Day!!!

In Christ,

Rev. Ted J. Wilkins
Founder and Director of “Good News Brief For Men” Ministries (Since 1998)

© 2014 Ted J. Wilkins, Good News Brief For Men

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