I remember growing up and my parents would say things like, “it’ll happen when you least expect it,” or, “God will never leave you nor forsake you.”
These statements are true in theory but when it comes to our human experience, practicing and living in contentment to these truths can be different.
We see our friend’s news feeds, stories and updates that tell of an exciting new job as a result of studies, beautiful family photos with no taint of sickness or death, elaborate and exhilarating holidays, a new relationship, engagement or wedding and sometimes we’re left to wonder if what my parents said is true.
I remember at the beginning of 2018; I was close to walking away from God and ministry. I decided to ask God what it meant that He would never leave nor forsake me (for it seemed that He had). Cliché answers weren’t cutting it anymore. Admittedly, I was in a season of life that was less than desirable, and I sure didn’t want it to last forever.
The answer to my question of God’s nearness and presence came as God led me to Psalm 23. So, let me explain what God taught me in the space of a few hours that has stayed with me since.
Verse 1: The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
I literally stood in front of my mirror and said some fifty or sixty times, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” I wanted to want God more than anything else.
Verse 2: He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.
Verse 3: He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.
Verse 4: Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
Verse 5: You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over.
Are you in a turbulent season of chaos and distress with work, relationships or family?
Are you wounded from what others have or have not done to you? Overcome with hurt, pain and grief? Do you sense you are far from God?
Are you tempted to give up on God? Feel like there is no way out? Is sin all you ever think about?
Do your enemies surround you? Are you lacking friends and real connection?
Do you question God’s will and plan for your life? Are you struggling to see God’s blessings in your life?
Before you and I go any further. Read Psalm 23 again, verse by verse and picture each scene.
No matter what season of life you are in, God is actually with you, working things out for His glory and your eternal, not earthly good.
To your chaos and distress, God will make you lie down in green pastures and lead you beside still waters.
To your brokenness and wandering, God will restore your soul and lead you again in the path of righteousness.
To your outlook of darkness and despair, God is with you in your darkness and despair, using His rod and staff to save you from totally giving up on him and continually walking in darkness.
To your loneliness, God anoints you with purpose by His Spirit and your cup of blessings truly overflows. (Note: you’re alive to read this article and that is blessing enough!)
Verse 6 is where everything comes together.
Verse 6: Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
David looked around and saw the goodness and mercy of God following and chasing Him. To where? Into the house of God where there is safety, security and a sanctuary for healing, cleansing and restoration.
To your despair in thinking your sin and shame are continually chasing and following you, know that it is God’s goodness and mercy that follows and chases us every single day of our lives, regardless of what we do.
Seasons.
No season of life stays the same forever but the goodness and mercy of God does.
WRITER: Morgan Vincent, attends Blue Haven SDA Church.