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BREAD FOR THE JOURNEY BLOG@ Rhythms of Grace: a Journey into RestSustenance for the journey into rest and peace
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NEW SERIES: WHEN IT'S GOOD TO CHANGE YOUR MIND: A LOOK AT PSALM 23If you haven’t already done so, please read the previous post for the introduction to this series.  The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. [Psalm 23:1] The responsibilities of a shepherd haven’t changed that much over time; they are still much the same as they were in bible days. Of primary importance was the need to provide nourishment from good pasture, while watching out for poisonous plants; and a water supply, where the herd could drink in safety. To keep them in optimum health, the sheep would need to be checked regularly for parasites and diseases, and of course the herdsman would be on hand to help during lambing time. The flock would also need protection from thieves, wild animals and severe weather patterns. A good shepherd lived life on the move; his focus the needs of his flock, his pleasure their health and wellbeing. This was David’s life as a young man, and he learned the great lesson during those watchful days and nights that the Lord, the Eternal One, shepherded him in exactly the same way. Just as a good shepherd supplied everything for the flock to prosper, so the Lord provided for all his needs. ‘I shall not want!’ This was David’s joyous declaration; ‘I shall lack no good thing!’ Yet during the days when this chosen one lived as a fugitive, when he was hungry, betrayed and hunted, this statement didn’t look like it was true. However, David had learned to align himself with the Lord’s way of thinking—the essence of repentance (see previous post). Sometimes we live in lack, despite the promises of our Good Shepherd: Do not worry, saying, “What shall we eat?” or “What shall we drink?” or “What shall we wear?” For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. [Matthew 6:31-33]  And we, like David, have a choice: we can characterise God as an austere disciplinarian, who gives us just enough to get by—because it’s good for us; or we can let the disappointment that our prayers have not been answered cloud our days, and discourage us spiritually. Alternatively, we can see our periods of need as a bi-product of journeying in a fallen world—periods that the Lord can work together for our good [Romans 8:28], thwarting the plans of the Evil One who can bring us low, but never thwart the Lord’s perfect will for us. Like Abraham, (see last post) we can ‘face the facts’ but still declare our faith in our Good Shepherd who keeps His promises. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful. [Hebrews 10:23] The psalm goes on… He makes me to lie down in green pastures; [Psalm 23:2] An animal which feels anxious, unsafe and unsure of its food supply is on the move continually; alert, restless and constantly feeding. The imagery in this psalm is of verdant pasture, rich, nutritious and plentiful; this sheep is at rest, surrounded by abundance, and confidant in the care of the Shepherd. Whatever our circumstances, like David, and Abraham (and countless others in the Bible) let’s align ourselves with God, and speak His truth over ourselves:
If you would like to read more about the Lord's provision, see God's Promise of Provision page on this website THIS WEEK’S GRACE RHYTHM:
Declare the above truths aloud over yourself, daily. NEXT WEEK: NEED SOUL RESTORATION? With personal and global problems multiplying, people are in desperate need of an answer to stress. Perhaps you are one of them..? GET IN TOUCH!
[Photo credits: Art Lasovsky (pen) @ Unsplash, with thanks;
and my apologies to the owner of the two 'shepherd' photos--I have mislaid your details, but thank you anyway]
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