Psalm 23… 1-6… 1) The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. 2) He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3) he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. 4) Even 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. 5) You 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. (NIV)
I had somewhat of an unusual curious dream during the other night – my dream was pointing me to a future monthly editorial: I was to write – using the Scripture references of – Psalm 23 and Mark 15 verse thirty-four – These are well-known Scripture lessons. With the help of the Holy Spirit’s guidance, to help me bring honor and glory to our heavenly Father I shall try and penetrate – enter the heart and mind of Jesus Christ as He hung on the cross and cried out – My God! My God! Why have you forsaken Me?
With my limited understanding – as a mere human being, I have a problem understanding how Christ’s unlimited wisdom moulds me/us into His very own image. This why – why tendence causes nothing but fear and a worried spirit. Somehow hundreds cannot believe, or assume that Jesus Christ, the very Author of life itself, really does not know what He is doing with us.
Countless have tried to unmask – unveil that penetrating cry. Jesus after all had taken our temptations and shouldered our trials. He suffered the failures of family, friends – not to mention the hatred of our adversaries. I believe He had experienced all of life’s failures – one He did not know, the enormousness result of sin that it separates us from God. Sin puts a barrier between us and God, this was one encounter that Jesus had not experienced – because He never had sinned.
The Lord is my Shepherd even when I have walked through the darkest part of my life… Jesus – hanging on the cross cried out “My God! – My God! Why have You forsaken Me? “My natural tendencies are to fear, worry and ask why Jesus cried to God like that. Did my sins and the sins of the world cause Christ that unimageable – pain in His heart? I believe it did – He paid the ultimate – supreme sacrifice on my/our behalf, so that we can walk in Christ’s presence for the rest of our lives here and eternity.
When people, circumstances or events beyond our/my control tend to disturb us, it is possible to be content and satisfied when these outside forces are stabilised by the presence of God’s Spirit in us. It is this daily walk with our Lord that will produce in us a mind at rest and stability. As the Bible points out, if we allow God’s Spirit to work in our lives, contentment, love, patience, gentleness, and peace will come. What a contrast, what a difference this is to the tempers, frustrations, and irritableness which ruin the daily conduct of so many of God’s children.
Despite this perverse wayward behaviour, I am so glad God did not give up on me, on us. He did not let us drift helplessly. The only possible motivation is His own love, His care and concern for us as His very own. And despite us doubting Him, despite our wavering about His management of our affairs, He has picked us up and tenderly and lovingly restored our faith in Him this Easter Season
To God be the Glory Great Things He Has Done.
Would you pray this prayer with me… “Lord Jesus, come into my heart? Forgive my sins. I want my life to change. My thoughts and my attitude need to change. I do not have the peace in my heart that I yearn for. I really want that Peace, joy and happiness that will fulfill my heart’s desire. Please let the Holy Spirit help me be the kind of Christian that will honour Your Name.” Amen.