July 23rd, 2021
By Tina Yerkes
Psalm 23- Most of us know it by heart. It is a beautiful prayer written by a man, David, who endured trials, who walked in relationship with God and who was able to write an eloquent prayer that has become legendary. But have you read Psalm 22? It begins, “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? What are you so far away when I groan for help? Every day I call to you, my God, but you do not answer. Every night I lift my voice, but I find no relief.” David was in extreme anguish throughout the 31 verses before Psalm 23. He was a man who was in the pit of despair, who could see no way out, who cried out to God and felt as though he would get no answers or relief.
David’s life was full of ups and downs. And our lives sometimes feel just like that. We can have days or even years of wonderful days, relationships & successes and then suddenly it slips away. Or maybe it wasn’t a sudden failing away of things but gradually life changed, and not for the better.
So, where was God in all of David’s trials? He was in the middle of them. He was in the valley of the shadow of death. He was beside the still waters. God’s goodness and mercy followed David even when he couldn’t feel it. Our emotions change and can fool us into thinking we are alone in this life. Friends, we are anything but alone. God is with us. God is with you.
Read Psalm 22. Listen to David’s anguish. Then, read Psalm 23. What changed between the two chapters? David’s circumstances did not change. God did not change or suddenly show up on the scene. David’s perspective changed. Where does your perspective need to change?
“Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me.”
Psalm 23:4 NLT
Psalm 23- Most of us know it by heart. It is a beautiful prayer written by a man, David, who endured trials, who walked in relationship with God and who was able to write an eloquent prayer that has become legendary. But have you read Psalm 22? It begins, “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? What are you so far away when I groan for help? Every day I call to you, my God, but you do not answer. Every night I lift my voice, but I find no relief.” David was in extreme anguish throughout the 31 verses before Psalm 23. He was a man who was in the pit of despair, who could see no way out, who cried out to God and felt as though he would get no answers or relief.
David’s life was full of ups and downs. And our lives sometimes feel just like that. We can have days or even years of wonderful days, relationships & successes and then suddenly it slips away. Or maybe it wasn’t a sudden failing away of things but gradually life changed, and not for the better.
So, where was God in all of David’s trials? He was in the middle of them. He was in the valley of the shadow of death. He was beside the still waters. God’s goodness and mercy followed David even when he couldn’t feel it. Our emotions change and can fool us into thinking we are alone in this life. Friends, we are anything but alone. God is with us. God is with you.
Read Psalm 22. Listen to David’s anguish. Then, read Psalm 23. What changed between the two chapters? David’s circumstances did not change. God did not change or suddenly show up on the scene. David’s perspective changed. Where does your perspective need to change?
“Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me.”
Psalm 23:4 NLT
No Comments