Voices

Psalm 23       NIV

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.

Sunday we spoke of how we listen to the voice of the Shepherd.  When we listen, and also follow what we hear, we find Psalm 23 to be a more descriptive picture of life.  Not that there are no struggles in life, but that our struggles are faced with Jesus beside us, before us and in front of us as we go through.  It is not just the green pastures and quiet waters.  It is in the darkest valley and the places we encounter evil.  Knowing that God walks with us and takes us through each rough patch of life.  I might not (most often will not) have everything I want, but I will have what God has given me in each moment.

What is our greatest desire in life?  Are we working our way to what we hope to be a comfortable and early retirement?  Are we making our life about having all the things we didn’t see in our homes when we were young?  Is life about having the perfect relationship with our spouse, children, family or friends?  Do we think we need to be the most healthy, fit, beautiful person?  Do we make our life about being entertained or amused?  Look at what we are putting most of our time into, or our money toward.  What is the focus?  That is likely our greatest desire.

What will change if I am listening to the voice of the Good Shepherd?  What changes if I hear what Jesus is telling me to make the most important thing in life?  The Good Shepherd calls out to us and invites us to his places of peace.  He invites us to walk through life with him.  He offers us life, now and always.  He gives us a place to live with him today, and promises my place with him in his house, prepared for us.