Protected by the Shepherd
Main Scripture Passage: Psalm 18:1-2 “I love you, Lord, my strength. 2The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”
Related Scripture: Psalm 23
To use a football analogy, our life can be cataloged into four quarters. The first quarter, from birth to 20 years old, we’re not only growing physically but mentally and spiritually. Due to various influences, we establish our moral compass, i.e., those values that we hold near and dear.
The second quarter, 20-40 years old, our life’s journey is starting to take off w/ a career/livelihood, settling down and possibly starting a family.
The third quarter, 40-60, we start to prep for retirement as it’s very quickly coming on the radar. I noticed things started to slow down a bit and I became more reflective, more appreciative of my many, many blessings.
Personally, I’m in the fourth quarter of life. Still enjoying it greatly but realizing that the days are numbered. Could be today, tomorrow, next week or years down the road but there is a predestined day hanging out there for me, for all of us, to pass from this earthly life.
Seem morbid??? Well, not really.
I once had a medical procedure and as the anesthesiologist (wow, thankful for autocorrect!) was starting to send me into la-la land, I remember very distinctly wondering if this is what death was like? I slowly started to drift into unconsciousness but not w/ any anxiety but a feeling that “It’s ok. All is good. I’m in good hands.”
That Sunday our Pastor just happened to be covering the passage in Acts 7 dealing w/ the stoning of Stephen. Though I don’t anticipate having to face a rather gruesome death like that, none of us are certainly guaranteed a painless passage. And being the bit of a wimp that I am, could I muster the courage to face it?
But God already provided the answer in Psalm 23. Take courage from these words:
1The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. 2He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for His name’s sake. 4Even though I walk through *the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
*some translations also have this as “the valley of the shadow of death.”
David also reminds us in Psalm 18:1-2, 1I love you, Lord, my strength. 2The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
Basically God is sayin’, “Hey, you’ve got this, because I’ve got you!”
Related Scripture: Psalm 23
To use a football analogy, our life can be cataloged into four quarters. The first quarter, from birth to 20 years old, we’re not only growing physically but mentally and spiritually. Due to various influences, we establish our moral compass, i.e., those values that we hold near and dear.
The second quarter, 20-40 years old, our life’s journey is starting to take off w/ a career/livelihood, settling down and possibly starting a family.
The third quarter, 40-60, we start to prep for retirement as it’s very quickly coming on the radar. I noticed things started to slow down a bit and I became more reflective, more appreciative of my many, many blessings.
Personally, I’m in the fourth quarter of life. Still enjoying it greatly but realizing that the days are numbered. Could be today, tomorrow, next week or years down the road but there is a predestined day hanging out there for me, for all of us, to pass from this earthly life.
Seem morbid??? Well, not really.
I once had a medical procedure and as the anesthesiologist (wow, thankful for autocorrect!) was starting to send me into la-la land, I remember very distinctly wondering if this is what death was like? I slowly started to drift into unconsciousness but not w/ any anxiety but a feeling that “It’s ok. All is good. I’m in good hands.”
That Sunday our Pastor just happened to be covering the passage in Acts 7 dealing w/ the stoning of Stephen. Though I don’t anticipate having to face a rather gruesome death like that, none of us are certainly guaranteed a painless passage. And being the bit of a wimp that I am, could I muster the courage to face it?
But God already provided the answer in Psalm 23. Take courage from these words:
1The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. 2He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for His name’s sake. 4Even though I walk through *the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
*some translations also have this as “the valley of the shadow of death.”
David also reminds us in Psalm 18:1-2, 1I love you, Lord, my strength. 2The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
Basically God is sayin’, “Hey, you’ve got this, because I’ve got you!”
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