The Upside of Down – Perspectives on Psalm 23 (Part 1)


It would be great if trouble was absent from our lives right? Absolutely!

Unfortunately difficult circumstances are part and parcel of our existence here on earth, that is, until Jesus Christ comes to take us to be with him. What do we do then in the interim? Surely there must be some refuge. Is there a hiding place for us? Is there a place we can be sheltered while we navigate through our struggles? Remember this, an umbrella exists to protect you from getting wet with the rain, it is never intended to prevent the rain. So too, God exists to protect us from the negative results difficulties can bring to our lives, he is not there to prevent the difficulties from occurring.

Please allow me to draw your attention to Psalm 23 and to quickly give you a perspective from the first verse about your God. “The Lord is my shepherd”

David uses the personal name of God when he describes God in this way to us. This personal name of God is used in Exodus 3:11-15.

Implication # 1: It is an implication of God’s independence and our dependence upon Him

Being self-existent, our shepherd needs nothing to sustain himself and at the same time he has everything to sustain us. When you face troubling time you must remember that. You must remember that you have as your shepherd one who is able to navigate you of the turbulence because he alone as every resource at his disposal and as long as you trust him you will be safe.

Implication # 2: It is an implication of ownership

We are God’s possession! God does not intend to bring harm to that which is His own. You are wrong to think that because God allows adversity then it must be that God does not love you. God does love you and his love for you is shown by the resources he dispenses to shelter you through the presence of adversity.

Implication # 3: It is implication of relationship

It’s amazing how extraordinary a shepherd’s relationship to his sheep is. The sheep know the shepherds voice. Jesus said this in John 10:1-6, “I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber.  2 The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep.  3 The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.  4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.  5 But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.”  6 Jesus used this figure of speech, but they did not understand what he was telling them.  7 Therefore Jesus said again, “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep.  8 All who ever came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them.  9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture.  10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.  11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.  12 The hired hand is not the shepherd who owns the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it.  13 The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.  14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me–  15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father– and I lay down my life for the sheep.  16 I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.”

Because you have a relationship with your shepherd you can rest assured that you will be safe. You just have to listen to his voice and follow his lead and very soon you won’t even notice the adversity because you’ll be so focused on your shepherd.

Conclusion

You’re certainly experiencing adversity but you may not be trusting your shepherd to help you navigate through it. Right now come before him and trust him completely. Remember that he is the self-existing one, the ONLY one who can help you completely.

3 thoughts on “The Upside of Down – Perspectives on Psalm 23 (Part 1)

  1. Beautiful ministry that you have been doing for Christ Jesus. I was personally blessed by your teaching and way of living for His glory. I deeply admire you and appreciate your ministry and keep praying for your ministry growth to continue and to reach even in India.

      1. Thank you so much sir for upholding in your prayers. It’s a great encouragement from you and I do assure my prayers to you and your family and ministry. Much love and prayers from India.

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