WHEN GOD BLESSES

"Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over." - Psalm 23:5

The Christian life consists of hills and valleys; pain and joy; trouble and peace.  There are times when God seems so near and other times when He seems so distant.  There are moments of celebration and times of grief. 

We'd love to stay on the mountaintop with God all the time.  It would be glorious to rejoice & bask in His love throughout endless days.  Such a time will come, but not here on earth.  Our world is contaminated with sin.  Evil abounds in our culture.  Despite the advancements made in technology and medicine, our world is still sinful and selfish.  Mankind's rejection of righteousness is yet another indication that this world is not our home.

Nevertheless, there are times when God visits His people in a special way.  Some may refer to it as revival.  Others may call it a season of refreshing.  A few may label it a special dispensation of grace.  Whatever label you wish to use, there are times that God sovereignly blesses His people in a wonderful way.  That is the description that David gives in Psalm 23:5:  "Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over."

Notice three things that David refers to in this verse:

1.  EXALTATION

First, there is exaltation.  God exalts His people before their unbelieving enemies:  "Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies."  The Lord graciously causes His people to enjoy the bounty of His grace while the pagans look on in disbelief.  During a mighty move of God, even the pagans recognize what is going on.  In Psalm 126:2, the Bible says, "... then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them."  What a blessing it is when the Lord lifts up His children for an unbelieving world to see.

2.  CONSECRATION

Secondly, there is consecration.  David wrote, "... thou anointest my head with oil."  Usually, the anointing with oil was reserved for the coronation of a king or prophet.  Figuratively speaking, oil represents the work of the Holy Spirit.  Sometimes believers need a fresh anointing of the Spirit.  The unction of the Spirit is not given for our edification, but for our consecration.  God anoints us so we may serve Him with effectiveness.  When God blesses, His people are fruitful in His work.

3.  CELEBRATION

Finally, there is celebration.  David wrote, "... my up runneth over."  When God blesses, His people rejoice.  There is not a feeling in the world like the blessing of God.  Perhaps your heart has been weary and cold for a long time.  Yet in a moment, God can cause your heart to warm to His presence and bask in His love.  When a person rejoices, he doesn't need to be told to smile --- it comes natural.  A rejoicing person doesn't need to be led to sing.  Singing flows from his heart of joy.  Notice that David's cup was more than filled.  His cup ran over.  The showers of blessing can fall in such abundance that it causes a flood.  The tide of God's blessing can come in and cover the shore. 

There is nothing like those moments when God blesses His people in a special way.  We cannot manipulate God into providing this experience.  He freely gives these experiences to those He wishes, at a time He knows is best.  We need such blessings, don't we?  While we can't produce blessings, we can come humbly to the Lord and seek those blessings. 

Perhaps such a season of refreshing may begin in your life & mine today.  Lord, let it be so!!! 

THE VALLEY WALKER

"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." - Psalm 23:4

We are tempted to think that God only walks with us when we are on the mountains.  When we have those mountaintop experiences, we feel like God is so near.  Those events stir and encourage us.

In the twenty-third psalm, David reveals that God also walks with us through the valleys.  Others like to walk with you on the mountains, but few will walk with you when you're going through the valley.  The deepest, darkest valleys are often places where no human can walk with you --- but God does!

Currently, I have several family members, church members and friends who are going through the valley.  Some of them are going through experiences I've never been through before.  Although I'd like to help them in a tangible way, I know that I am limited.  I'm glad there is One who walks with each one of them as they travel the deep, dark valley of pain, problems or sorrow. 

From David's words in Psalm 23:4, I find two comforting truths:

1.  THERE IS COMPANIONSHIP IN THE VALLEY

First of all, there is companionship in the valley.  David wrote, "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me."  Some valleys are deeper than others.  Certain valleys are much longer than others.  A few are very dark and lonely.  No valley could be worse than the valley of the shadow of death.  Each human must visit this valley from time to time.  Yet for David, this valley did not bring him fear because he knew he would not walk through the valley alone.

A valley can be a gloomy place to walk through, especially if the valley is deep, long and dark.  Those who struggle with depression and despair can testify to this. Yet the Christian never goes through a valley alone.  Like David, we can say, "I will fear no evil: for thou art with me."  God is with us in the valley.  He is just as near in the valley as He is when we are on the mountaintop. 

It could be that you've been walking in a valley a long time.  If so, let me encourage you by focusing your attention on one word in our text, the word, "through."  David wrote, "Yea, though I walk THROUGH the valley of the shadow of death."  The valley may seem long.  It may be difficult, but you are not staying there.  You are going through it.  There is an end to the valley.  It may end today.  Perhaps tomorrow.  Maybe when Jesus comes.  Regardless, the valley is only temporary. 

2.  THERE IS COMFORT IN THE VALLEY

Secondly, there is comfort in the valley.  David wrote, "thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me."  The Good Shepherd's staff is a tender reminder that He is in control.  He is leading the way.  It may be tough to believe at times, but God will deliberately take His children into valleys.  Sometimes the best way to get to the desire destination is travel a difficult route.  Most of us would prefer to travel an easy path in life.  The easy path would ruin us if it were the only road we traveled.  We learn and grow more in the valleys.  There, where the path is dark and uncertain, we learn to trust God.  We learn to follow His leading.  We learn to appreciate and love Him more.  We find wisdom in His correcting rod.  We find guidance with His helpful staff. 

Do you want to know how mature saints became so godly?  Much of their education came through the valleys of life.  God molded them as they endured afflictions and trials.  We learn more from life's tests than we do from any textbook. 

While we walk through valleys, it is good to know that there is a valley walker who makes sure we go through it safely.  We may not understand the reason for the valleys we must cross.  We can rejoice in the fact that the Good Shepherd doesn't lead His sheep into the valley so He may lose them there.  Instead, He directs His sheep into the valley so they may ultimately come out the other side of the valley with Him.

There's no need for fear when the Good Shepherd is leading the way. 

WHAT WE NEED MOST

"He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake." - Psalm 23:3

The twenty-third psalm has always been one of my favorite passages of Scripture.  Like many, I memorized this psalm when I was much younger.  This psalm gives the believer comfort and encouragement. 

The Lord inspired David to pen this psalm.  When David was young, he served as a shepherd, tending his father's flock.  Now, he uses his intimate knowledge of this occupation to describe the Lord's love for His people.  David began the psalm with the precious words, "The Lord is my shepherd."  The remainder of the psalm is written with the imagery of the Lord being our Shepherd. 

In verse 3, David gives us spiritual application that we need to consider.  Like a shepherd, our Lord provides what we need most.  But what do we need most?  Sadly, many think that our greatest need is for more money, possessions or bigger homes.  Such thinking comes from a selfish, materialistic view of life.  Others think that our greatest need is for health or relationships.  Actually, our greatest needs go much deeper than that.  God knows our greatest needs and has sacrificed greatly to see that our greatest needs are met.

1.  THE NEED FOR RESTORATION

Our greatest need is the need for restoration.  Because of sin, mankind has been separated from God.  The Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ, laid down His life for the sheep.  Through His shed blood, men and women are made new by the power of God.  Our relationship with God is restored.  Through Christ, we enjoy privileges that the world knows nothing of.  We experience communion with Christ.  We have the Holy Spirit residing within.  God's Word leads us.  We feast on the good things of God.  Apart from Christ, there is no way for man to be restored to a place of divine communion.  The sweet fellowship that Adam once had in the garden was lost because of sin.  The second Adam has come and made communion with God a reality for us.  When we repent and believe, we can say, like David, "He restoreth my soul."

2.  THE NEED FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS

Secondly, there is a need for righteousness.  Because of sin, we have no righteousness of our own.  Because of Jesus' death upon the cross, His righteousness has been imputed unto us.  Jesus Christ, the righteous, took our place on Calvary, so that His righteousness could be applied to our case.  Because of His sovereign grace, the Father looks upon us as being righteous, because of Jesus.  The Good Shepherd, "... leadeth me in the paths of righteousness."  Once a sinner has been declared righteous, the Lord works in his life and leads him to walk in the path of righteousness.  Jesus told His disciples, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness."  Furthermore, Jesus said, "Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled."  When we were lost, we had no desire for righteousness, but after the Good Shepherd found us, He placed a passion within us to walk the path of righteousness and holiness.

It is important to note that we enjoy the benefits of restoration and righteousness, "for his name's sake."  The Good Shepherd gave His life for the sheep --- all for the glory of God.  These days, TV evangelists wrongfully put the emphasis upon mankind.  Instead, we need to correctly put the emphasis where it belongs --- on God Himself.  Why did the Good Shepherd leave the ninety-nine and search for the missing sheep?  He did it for His Name's sake.  He sought me, bought me and brought me because of His Name's sake.  The Good Shepherd loves His sheep, not because of their loveliness, but because He is love.  He takes great pleasure in His sheep and has risked everything for their preservation.

The Good Shepherd has done all these things for the glory of God.  That is why we are alive.  We are alive to bring glory to God.  We were saved for the glory of God.  We are kept for the glory of God.  One day, we'll get to heaven for the glory of God.  The Apostle Paul wrote that God has raised us up, "That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus."

The Good Shepherd has given us what we needed most, at a great cost to Himself.  All glory belongs to Him!

 

WHERE GOD LEADS

"He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters." - Psalm 23:2

A shepherd has several tasks.  His is to guide his sheep, protect his sheep and provide for his sheep.  The sheep are his responsibility.

When David wrote the twenty-third psalm, he drew upon his experience as a shepherd as he wrote about the goodness of God.  David recognized the Lord as being his shepherd.  Now, in verse 2, he relates how God was leading him. 

1.  A PLACE OF REST

First of all, David wrote that God led him to a place of rest.  "He maketh me to lie down in green pastures."  In a world of busyness and tight schedules, it is refreshing to have a place of tranquility and rest.  Notice that, like a sheep, the Lord had led him to "lie down in green pastures."  When sheep lie down, they enjoy a time of rest.  There's nothing to fear during this rest because the shepherd is still vigilant, keeping guard over his sheep. 

It is comforting to know that the Lord is watching over us.  When we sleep at night, we are still under His care.  Psalm 121:4 teaches us that the Lord never slumbers nor sleeps.  He is constantly on guard.

The Lord leads us to a place of rest.  In fact, He invites people to rest.  Jesus said, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28).  We find rest when our resting place is the Lord Himself.  He leads His people to rest in the fertile green pastures of His grace.

2.  A PLACE OF PEACE

Like a shepherd, the Lord leads His people to a place of peace.  David wrote, "he leadeth me beside still waters."  It is a place of serenity.  The Lord does not promise to still the commotion of this world for us every day, but He does provide peace in the midst of the storm.  "Peace I leave with you," Jesus said.  While many seek world peace, they fail to experience personal peace that is freely available in Christ. 

Psalm 91:1 states, "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty."  It is possible to hide under the shadow of the Almighty.  There in His shadow is perfect peace. 

Our text reminds me of the old song:

In shady, green pastures, so rich and so sweet,

God leads His dear children along;

Where the water’s cool flow bathes the weary one’s feet,

God leads His dear children along.

Some through the waters, some through the flood,

Some through the fire, but all through the blood;

Some through great sorrow, but God gives a song,

In the night season and all the day long.

The Good Shepherd is leading us.  He knows where He's going.  He is strong and powerful.  He'll take care of His children.  He'll provide for His children.  He will guide His children.  We can trust Him with today and the future that lies ahead.  The path we're on is leading to the Father's house.  

I'm glad He's leading & I intend to follow all the way.