God, Our Provider and Protector

Psalm 23:5a, “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.”

The “table” speaks of God’s constant provision for us.  As Philippians 4:19 tells us, “And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”

The diligent shepherd has gone ahead of the sheep and prepared safe places for them to graze in the high country during the summer months.  He has carefully removed poisonous plants.  He has chosen places with ample water supplies; He has looked for signs of any predators that might harm the sheep.  We see in the shepherd’s care not only his provision but also his protection.

If God provides for us in the presence of our enemies, there is the implication that He will protect us so we can partake of His provisions, be nourished by them, and enjoy them.  We have this promise in Proverbs 1:33, “Whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm.”  Charles Spurgeon comments on this passage of Scripture in his devotional book Morning and Evening by saying, “Let’s draw the inference from this, that come what may, God’s people are safe.  Let convulsions shake the solid earth, let the skies themselves be rent in two, yet amid the wreck of worlds the believer shall be as secure as in the calmest hour of rest.  If God cannot save His people under heaven, He will save them in heaven.  If the world becomes too hot to hold them, then heaven shall be their place of reception and their safety.  Let no agitation distress you, but be quiet from fear of evil.  Whatever comes upon the earth, you beneath the wings of Jehovah will be secure.”

Thank You, Heavenly Father, that You are our Provider and our Protector, our Refuge and Strength.  Amen.

Life's Little Frustrations

We're having a heat wave this summer, so soon.

It feels like it's August, and it's only June.

If it's this hot already, oh goodness me,

At the end of the summer how hot will it be?

The Shepherd's Staff

Psalm 23:4c,  "Your rod and your staff, they comfort me."

      The shepherd's staff is a unique tool.  No one in any other profession uses a shepherd's crook, and the staff is not used for any animal other than sheep.

      There are at least three areas of use for the shepherd's staff. 

First, a shepherd sometimes uses his staff to gently lift a newborn lamb and return it to its mother if they are separated.  Second, the shepherd uses the staff to draw individual sheep to himself.  Third, the staff is used to guide the sheep along a desired path or through a gate.  Interestingly, the shepherd lays the tip of the staff against the side of a sheep and presses it gently to show the sheep which way the shepherd wants it to go.  Phillip Keller comments,  "Sometimes I have been fascinated to see how a shepherd will actually hold his staff against the side of some sheep that is a special pet or favorite, simply so that they are "in touch"!  They will walk along this way almost as though it were "hand in hand".

      You may have guessed by now that the shepherd's staff is a symbol of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer.  It is God's Holy Spirit Who prompts us and guides us by nudging us gently to walk in the paths of righteousness.  The Holy Spirit is not only our Guide but also our Comforter, Our Teacher, and our constant Companion.  His ministry in our lives draws us to our Heavenly Father and keeps us close to Him. 

What peace and comfort, what a sense of protection and provision and well-being, we have from the constant presence and over-flowing love and care from our Father through His Spirit within us!

Father, how we thank You for Your indwelling Spirit Who will never leave nor forsake us.  Amen

Life's Little Frustrations

A winter cold is bad enough,

But there's something worse, I'm told.

Sniffles any time are rough,

But everyone hates a summer cold!

Rod and Staff

Psalm 23:4a,  "Your rod and your staff, they comfort me."

      These two pieces, the rod and the staff, have been the standard equipment for shepherds for generations.  The rod is a club which was specially selected and shaped to fit a shepherd's own hand and size and strength.  The shepherd then practiced until he could throw the rod with great accuracy.  This was his defensive weapon to protect both himself and his sheep.  He also used it to correct any wandering sheep that insisted on straying away.  The rod was an instrument of the shepherd's power and authority.

      The rod represents God's Word, which expresses His will and carries His authority.  We find great comfort in knowing there are absolute truths and standards which God expects us to believe and obey.

  God's instructions to us are clear and straight forward, eliminating confusion and uncertainty.  It is also reassuring to know that when we disobey God's commands, He will use His Word to reprove us, correct us, and set our feet back on the right path.

      God's Word also reminds us of God's power to protect us as well as direct us.  Time and time again we can use God's Word to deflect the assaults of our enemies just as Jesus used it during His temptation experience.  Three times he told Satan,  "It is written," and quoted Scripture.  The Word of God is the Christian's offensive weapon, our rod to protect us, direct us, and comfort us.

Father, Thank You for Your Word and all that it tells us and does for us.  May we believe it, obey it, and use it.  Amen.

Life's Little Frustrations

The beach is ever so much fun

As long as there is lots of sun,

But pleasure there begins to wane

As soon as it begins to rain.