A Closer Walk
The end of the year has arrived. It's always kind of sad knowing that this year will never return. But the end of the year also means a new year is about to begin. And that is always exciting, isn't it? A new year; a new beginning. For each and every one of us. So what do we do with this brand spanking shiny new year? If it is anything like the last two years we might say to ourselves, "I think I'll pass on a new year. If it's anything like last year and the year before, I think I'll just stay home." But like it or not, want to or not, a new year will arrive on January 1st.
It might be helpful to memorize a few words from Charles Haddon Spurgeon, often referred to as "the Prince of Preachers." "If He be a shepherd to no one else, He is a shepherd to me. He cares for me, watches over me, and preserves me." If we reflect on these words we will be reminded that our Lord is our shepherd. He told us so. (A Psalm of David.) “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever," Psalm 23 KJV.
David is named by the psalms as the writer of seventy-three psalms. New Testament writers named David as the author of two additional psalms. Psalm 2 is attributed to David by Luke in Acts 4:25. Psalm 95 is attributed to David by the writer of Hebrews in Hebrews 4:7. We owe David a debt of gratitude for writing down some of his talks with God, where he sang his thoughts and heart to God. Any wonder why God referred to David as, "A man after God's own heart?" In our Bibles there are one hundred and fifty individual psalms. Half are attributed to David.
Psalm 23 is a psalm of comfort; consequently, it is used for that purpose at many, many funerals. It is also a psalm of promise. "The Lord is MY shepherd." Our Lord is not just my shepherd, He is your shepherd also. He is everyone's shepherd. "I shall not want..." Our God provides for us. In good times He provides, and that is usually easy for us to see. He provides for us during the so-called bad times as well. That may be harder for us to see, but nevertheless, the provision is still there.
How does the shepherd provide? He makes us to lie down in green pastures, He leads us beside the still waters. Green pastures in the life of a shepherd are a blessing for him and his sheep. The sheep are fed on the green pastures, the shepherd just needs to lead them there. Same with the still waters. Rushing waters are dangerous waters. Ever heard of white water rafting? Still waters are both calm and calming. Pastors have said that sheep are afraid of rushing waters. So the shepherd leads them beside still waters so that they may drink and be refreshed without fear.
The Great Shepherd provides for us in the same ways. Additionally He restores our soul, and leads us in the paths of righteousness. Why? For His Name's sake. Even if we are walking through the valley of the shadow of death we should fear no evil. Because He is with us. He even prepares a table before us in the presence of our enemies, and He anoints our head with oil; a sign of blessing. And what is the result of all this? Surely, not possibly or maybe, but surely goodness and mercy shall follow us all the days of our life. And, and we will dwell in the House of the Lord all the days of our lives. So a new year dawning? Have courage. Our Lord is in control. We can do this!
"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and love, and of a sound mind," 2 Timothy 1:7 KJV.
“All hail the power of Jesus' name! Let angels prostrate fall. Bring forth the royal diadem and crown Him Lord of all. Bring forth the royal diadem and crown Him Lord of all!” Words Edward Perronett 1726-1792, melody “Coronation” Oliver Holden 1765-1844.