Author: thischicksinpeace

I have always loved the story of Jairus daughter as told in Mark 5! I have a children’s book, still from my childhood, that has an illustration of a joyfully dancing daughter upon her healing- it is this visual that comes to mind when I read of her miracle.

Today, however, another aspect of this story is standing out.

I have much to do today so flushing out whatever is stuck in my craw about this passage is not exactly going to help me check things off my list…however🤷

When Jesus had again crossed over in a boat to the other side of the sea, a large crowd gathered around Him; and so He stayed by the seashore.

One of the synagogue officials named Jairus came up; and seeing Him, fell at His feet and begged anxiously with Him, saying, “My little girl is at the point of death; please come and lay Your hands on her, so that she will be healed and live “

And Jesus went with him.

Some people came from the synagogue official’s house, saying to Jairus. “Your daughter has died: why bother the teacher any longer?”

Overhearing what was being said, Jesus said to the synagogue official,”Do not be afraid; only keep on believing in Me and My power.”

Mark 5:21-24, 35-36 AMP

Jairus was a lay leader working at the synagogue. Since Jesus arrived on the scene in Mark 1, the religious leaders of that time were incredibly skeptical and wary of Him and His teaching. They were more afraid of His healing power than amazed by it.

Jairus was working directly with or for those religious leaders.

He, also, must have been present when Jesus spoke in a synagogue or in a surrounding village near him.

Jairus KNEW about Jesus. Had heard whispers of Him. Rumors -both good and bad- were being spread within his earshot at work and near home.

His job taught him to believe in something but something else was beginning to conflict with what he thought he knew.

He was raised to trust his elders. He was raised to listen to their teachings. He was raised to follow their rules and advice.

His job reinforced his belief system.

But here is this man….

Perhaps, in the beginning when the rumors started, Jairus was as equally as indignant as his religious superiors. Perhaps he even agreed vocally with the derision spoken openly by those around him.

But here is this man.

This MAN heals people. This MAN performs miracles on the Sabbath – he breaks the rules to do a kindness. This MAN touches those no one wants to touch…and those people are forever changed!

And then Jairus’s daughter becomes ill.

Here is the point of tension we all come into contact with in our lives.

Does Jairus follow the rules of his belief system or go against the logical and find THIS MAN to help him???

To find Jesus, let alone ask for His help, puts Jairus into another point of conflict as it goes against his job. Seeking out the healing help from Jesus will put Jairus’s very career in danger as those in the synagogue are against miracle worker.

But his daughter is ill to the point of death.

What would you do for your child? For your loved one? If they were sick? Suffering? Dying?

As an RN I have witnessed the great lengths people will go to stay alive or to keep their loved ones alive. The extent of what can be done with modern medicine does not always equal a quality of life although it may extend the quantity of days added to that life.

But we are willing to try anything, aren’t we?

So was Jairus.

For the sake of his daughter he was willing to risk his career, his reputation, his future, his family’s livelihood and seek THE ONE WHO COULD HEAL.

He had a snipit of a belief that Jesus could help and that was all he needed to take action.

To do something courageous then that something must be done in the face of fear: in the face of fear of losing everything Jairus approached Jesus, fell down before Him, and begged for help.

The Amplified version of Mark 5:23 said that Jairus begged anxiously.

Why was he anxious?

To approach Jesus, a stranger?

Anxious that he, Jairus, would look foolish?

Anxious that He, Jesus, (the popular one being followed by LARGE crowds all the time) would reject him? Shame him for asking such a ridiculous request?

After all, why should Jesus help Jairus? Who is Jairus and why should he matter?

Was he anxious if his superiors would find out that he had approached Jesus?

Was he anxious that Jesus couldn’t help?

Yes. I would say yes to all of that. And probably more reasons even.

Wouldn’t you feel the same??

Yet, out of desperate love for his child, Jairus -a man of importance- fell at the feet of Jesus and begged for mercy and compassion.

Jesus response? To immediately follow Jairus.

However.

While on their way, Jairus receives news from home that he was too late. What he feared the most has already happened.

His daughter has died. His risk was for nothing. What now???

Jesus says in verse 36 to Jairus what He wants us to hear as well: Do not be afraid; ONLY KEEP ON BELIEVING IN ME AND MY POWER.

When they get to Jairus’s house they are ridiculed for Jesus prophetic statement that the child was not dead: to have hope.

Can you hear the harsh scornful laughs as Jairus is barely holding himself after just finding out his daughter has died?? Can you imagine how broken his heart is and he is being laughed at for trying to hang onto to some kind of HOPE?

He is trying to believe…to stay focused on Jesus.

But the distractions of his world are loud…and cruel….and insist on logic not faith.

Jesus separates Jairus and his wife from the crowd to go to the bedside of their daughter…to go with them, alone, to the place of their deepest pain and darkest place of suffering.

What does He do? He heals her.

The focus of this passage is often on her healing, but I think so much more happened there that day.

Jairus was healed of his unbelief.

Jairus was healed of the worry over what other people think.

Jairus was healed of the concern of who would provide for him and his family…it certainly will not be his JOB.

Do not be afraid; keep on believing in Me and My power is what Jesus says.

Where in your life do you need that kind of faith? Where do I?

All too easily I get lost in the distractions around me ..the derision ….the scornful laughs over my “simplistic faith“.

Who am I that God would help me?

And Jesus says, “do not be afraid: keep on believing”.

Keep your eyes fixed on the author and perfector of our faith.

How? How does one do that when those distractions are SO LOUD that try to pull us away from Him???

• Set aside time daily to read your Bible and reflect on what it is you have read
• Ask God to reveal Himself to you in His Word and be expectant that He will
• Pray. All the time. Big prayers. Breath prayers. Thank you prayers. Help me prayers.
• Surround yourself with godly people that will encourage you in the Lord
• Listen to music/podcasts that will satisfy your soul and lift your spirits (if your music makes you cry then perhaps it is time to change the station!)
• Read and watch Spirit- infused things (garbage in,garbage out folks🤷)
• Gather with believers OFTEN
• Be thankful

Be a “Jairus” and keep on believing.

I’ve been in another “writer’s block” of sorts over these last months (year?). A lot has happened that has made it difficult to write more than a devotional snip-it quickly posted to social media! When my heart is weary and overwhelmed, my thought process changes with the expression of my reflections shifting to a shorter burst of words as opposed to the more drawn out, reflective blog.

Instagram and Facebook posts became my expressive lifeline, yet I am drawn once again to a space designed for deeper inflection.

Soooo~

I was watching my son play in the first Varsity football game of the school year the other night (if you’ve been following me for very long then let me give this life update: my baby -affectionately nicknamed “the Young Master”- is now a SENIOR in high school!)

While watching him play I noticed something:

he often made defensive plays that disrupted the offensive plan that allowed a different teammate on his team to get the credit.

I am no football expert, but I have learned a few things over the years. I now know that the Defensive End is to put an incredible amount of pressure on the opposing team’s quarterback. When this happens, the quarterback is forced to make his play much more quickly than would be desired….if my son doesn’t sack him first, that is!

If the above-mentioned “sack” occurs, the crowd goes wild, the DE’s dad jumps up slamming his fists in the air, and the mom’s heart bursts for joy!

The Defensive End gets the credit with his name being announced over the loud speaker…and let me tell you what! This is a GOOD feeling folks!

However.

If the “sack” does not occur….there is no public glory for the DE….no matter what his momma saw him doing as he came around the corner like a freight train (see what I did there, dad?😉) toward that poor quarterback for the twentieth+ time in the game.

The football is thrown to the receiver hastily in an effort to avoid the unavoidable collision with a single-focused , 6- foot tall, 210 lbs young man who has been working for this moment in time for over five years.

As Captain America says, he “can do this all day”.

The DE is coming….he is coming fast….he is ready to hit hard…he wants that ball. Every time. Every play.

But he doesn’t get the glory without the sack. No accolades. No rewards.

The defender guarding the receiver gets the credit for appropriately blocking that reception or even managing an interception.

And the Defensive End lines up once again to do his job… quietly…. intensely…intentionally…with pure focus and determination to help his team.

The other defender did his job too…and did it well. It’s the right thing to do to give the obvious credit where credit is due…

But this is my take away:

Whether he receives the “credit” for a job well done or not, what he does still matters.

His role is imperative to the success of his team and the outcome of that game.

His role may be more “behind the scenes” but it is essential for his team for him to stay consistent and effective when he performs.

What he does allows an opportunity for others to reap the reward off his effort.

And when he gets that “sack”? It feels good…it makes him hungry for more…

But if he focuses on the fulfillment of his hunger as his only success, then he loses sight of the team...the bigger picture.

If he grows embittered to the one who reaps the benefits of his sweat, blood, and tears?

Suddenly~

the game is all about him and not the team. His success.

He loses motivation to push hard because he is now personal reward driven instead of big-picture focused.

He becomes selfish instead of selfless.

Apathy takes over causing him to hold back with an attitude of “what I do doesn’t matter anyway”.

Kingdom living can be like this.

We are all a part of God’s family with each of us doing a different role. At times, what we do makes a huge difference in someone’s life or in a ministry function and that feels good.

Recognition and reward feels good.

But that cannot be what our life in Christ is like for it is not about me because it needs to be about HE.

My recognition for my idea or my job well-done is as addictive as bite-sized Butterfinger candy bars! When I taste one. I can’t help but want another…and another! They go down so smooth….like compliments do.

Being singled-out, praised, or acknowledged for a specific talent, gift, or skill is as wonderful as my son’s name being announced over the loud speaker at a football game.

However, doing the work regardless of recognition needs to remain the focus because there is more going on in this world than what I bring to it.

The work I do, that you do, is for the Lord and His glory.

The work I do, that you do, is a skill from the Lord to do for His Kingdom.

Thankfully, Jesus knows we require encouragement to endure so He provides what we need to persevere in the in-between experiences when others do seem to be succeeding, thriving, getting ahead, achieving what we desire.

To receive what He offers we must keep our focus on Him …His game plan for His Kingdom.

And we need to keep doing what we have been called to do …gifted to do….equipped to do.

Commit your works to the Lord -submit and trust them to Him, and your plans will succeed (if you respond to His will and guidance).

A man’s mind plans his way (as he journeys through life), but the Lord directs his steps and establishes them.

Proverbs 16:3, 9 AMP

It isn’t easy to watch others succeed … especially if it’s off your own effort while you’re seemingly stuck in one place. It’s humbling. It’s painful.

Keep doing what you’ve been called to do anyway. Keep going with the same intensity as an almost 17 year old playing his senior year of varsity football.

Commit what you’re doing to the Lord. Do it for Him and not for yourself.

May you be as sweaty, bruised, and potentially bloody as this Defensive End is after he has given 150% of himself to achieve a win for his team when you cross that goal line into eternity.

May the reward of being in the presence of Jesus be enough as He says “well done, my good and faithful servant.”

Isaiah 9:6

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, MIGHTY GOD, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

NIV

In my research, I came across an article that said the word “mighty” is used over 200 times in the Bible. God is referenced as a MIGHTY warrior 27 times and has a MIGHTY hand that saves.

In Hebrew, El Gibbor means The Mighty God. In the verse of Isaiah that prophesies the birth of the Messiah, we see Him given a name inspired by military language: God revealed as the great warrior who will vanquish all the enemies of the Lord, either physical or spiritual, and all will bow at His feet.

Psalm 93:4

Mightier than the thunder of the great waters, mightier than the breakers of the sea- The Lord on high is MIGHTY

Zephaniah 3:17

The Lord your God is with you, He is MIGHTY to save

I was raised in a Disney culture filled with princesses and the prince who saved them on a white horse~ not a terrible fantasy, but not overly realistic as I was not, and am not, a true princess.

However, my fairy tale thinking led me to the knowledge that I desired someone bigger and stronger to come into my life and “save” me.

I thought my husband, in true hero fashion, was that guy.

When I quit being apathetic toward God and decided to live my life for Him, my marriage (which was already on shaky ground) began to split: a chasm formed in between my husband and I.

In her wisdom, my friend Ali said to me, “he (Dan) doesn’t know what to do now that you (me, Amy) have a NEW Savior”.

I would add to that, “a Savior who walks on water and rose from the grave”.

Her opinion pointed out this question: how could my husband compete with that and where did that leave him in my life if I no longer needed saving?

I guess the questions to ask myself are why did I need saving; why did I know it needed to come from outside of me; and why did I limit the saving to a man?

As a woman who prides herself on being somewhat forward thinking, shouldn’t I have at least considered the idea that I could actually save myself through independence and self-sufficiency?

Well.

There are times in my life when I have felt extremely insecure; that I’m not good enough; that I can’t do “this”; that I won’t get over “that”.

Those feelings leave me weakened. Flat. Empty. Incapable. Paralyzed. Immobile.

Those feelings leave me in desperate need of someone who CAN do this…leap over that…tell me it’s going to be ok…encourage me that I am enough.

I do not consider myself to be much of a “handywoman”. My skill set does not usually lie in a toolbox. Am I able to fix certain things even though I have chosen not to before?

Perhaps.

But I have chosen not to do things for so long that I am rather convinced that I never will and probable wouldn’t do a good job at it anyways so why bother trying.

I sound like a defeat-est, don’t I?

Certainly not my usual tone.

Yet, it is a true side to my personality that pokes at me quite a bit. Not being able to do something because you don’t know how or think you could never learn to do it LIMITS a person, you know?

It places a box around you that you do not know is there…until you get close to the perimeter of it and feel its edges pressing you in.

And when you find out you need to get out of that box on your own because there is no one else there to keep you tucked snuggly inside it?

Hello anxiety. Hello defeat. Hello anger.

That’s me, anyway.

When my husband started traveling for his job I realized certain things that I had boxed myself in with. We all develop “roles” in our marriage and I am certainly not useless…it’s just I don’t do certain things because he does them for me.

Like our bills and maintenance things.

Remember how I said I am not a handywoman?

Tell that to the furnace that quit working at 5 in the morning when Dan was in Seattle …or the sump pump that sprung loose and sprayed everywhere when he was in Georgia…or the brakes when he was in Pennsylvania and was leaving quick after his return for Isle Royale and didn’t have “time” to deal with it.

I’ve never turned on the lawn mower or snow blower. I have zero idea how to work the generator if we lost power. I can barely use the grill.

However…after working in CCU for twelve years, I made a huge job switch as an RN to work in the Endoscopy Unit years ago. I went from critical thinking to managing tools in a giant leap of faith. In my interview I was asked how I was with “technical things” and I replied that I was confident I could learn.

And I did.

Fast forward to making the decision to attend Nazarene Bible College through an online program…my husband (my personal IT guy) was leery that I could pull it off -it isn’t a sign of his lack of support, it is a sign of MY lack of computer skills.

But…here I am finishing my final class in the program after almost 7 years attending!!

The computer is my nemesis, but I embrace social media for the good it can produce such as this blog or through positive, encouraging posts made…so I have self taught myself how to maneuver in certain arenas.

I’m capable of far more than I give myself credit…if I’m will to push the lid off that box.

A MIGHTY WARRIOR is not always the one to fight the battles…a wise general is the one who makes the battle plan and encourages the troops that they can do it in the fight.

A MIGHTY WARRIOR on my side is one who HAS defeated the enemy and gives me the confidence to step forward in faith to accomplish the plan set before me…to follow in HIS footsteps to do it and to trust that He is on my side.

In the story of David and Goliath, we learn that Goliath was giant of a man who stood approximately 6’9”-9’9″ to David’s 4’10”- 5’0″. Goliath’s armor weighed 125 pounds and he carried a spear with the tip weighing 15 pounds.

Goliath mocked the Israel army and God daily….daring anyone to attempt to defeat him. David overheard the jeers and could not be quieted in his rage.

When no one else stepped forward to silence the giant, King Saul was persuaded to allow young, small David to stand up for their nation. David was convinced and convincing as he testified to the strength that God had blessed him with in his time of protecting sheep as a shepherd: he had defeated both a lion and bear through the skills God had given him.

David stepped out from the army to stand in plain view of Goliath bringing only with him the tools that he knew how to use: no armor, no sword – just a sling and some rocks.

1 Samuel 17:45-47

David replied to the Philistine, “You come to me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies- the God of the armies of Israel, who you have defied. Today the LORD will conquer you, and I will kill you and cut off your head…And everyone assembled here will know that the LORD RESCUES HIS PEOPLE, but not with sword and spear.

THIS IS THE LORD’S BATTLE and He will give you to us!”

NIV

The battle belongs to the Lord.

Your battle belongs to the Lord.

What is it that boxes you in? Keeps you immobile? Makes you believe you need saving?

Do you need forgiveness? Jesus died for your sins and when you believe in Him you ARE forgiven.

Do you need strength? The JOY of the Lord IS your strength.

Do you need provisions? As God cares for the sparrows, surely He will care for you.

Do you need protection? As the song says, “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God”.

God fought the battle THROUGH David. David HAD to step forward in faith using all that he knew to use…and the Lord rescued His people.

My marriage is stronger when I am an equal participant in it… when I am not helpless…when I do not blame my husband for doing for me what I could easily do for myself.

My faith is stronger in the same way…when I use my faith as an ACTION word instead of an adjective: something that I DO as opposed to something that is used to describe me.

I BELIEVE that God is mighty therefore I am strong in my weakness.

I believe that God is mighty therefore I trust that with God all things are possible.

I believe that God is mighty therefore I stand up and make the decision that I WILL NOT BE SHAKEN.

Our God IS The Mighty God:

El Gibbor.

I’m having a day.

My mood matches the overcast, cold, Michigan winter weather of January.

I have things to do -don’t we all?? But I am having trouble focusing.

It leads me to wonder if MY to-do list is as important as I thought it was. Is it so important that, in order to do it, I sacrifice my emotional well-being? Are my tasks worth telling myself that how I feel is not valid; that what I am concerned about (today) is not rational?

Trust me. I am rational.

Rational looks like a mom who misses her son while in grief over her friend while starting her last class in ministry school while raising her other son while working at a hospital while living during a global pandemic.

I read a quote that said an abnormal response to an abnormal situation is normal.

That about sums it up, doesn’t it?

Instead of beating myself up for looking out the window for an obscene amount of time, I am making the change to choose to focus on something else that I know will bring me peace of mind and heart:

the person of Jesus.

In Acts 19, we read about the apostle Paul in Ephesus where God was doing extraordinary miracles through him. What was being accomplished in the name of Jesus had been witnessed by Jewish leaders that were recognized as men who exorcized demons. These men used the example of Paul and called on the name of Jesus over those who had evil spirits saying,

“In the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out”

Acts 19:13 NIV

The response?

“But the evil spirit retorted, “I know and recognize and acknowledge Jesus, and I know about Paul, but as for you…who are you??

Acts 19:15 AMP

Isn’t that an interesting dialogue?

These practitioners had latched onto the name of Jesus to use as an incantation, but they discovered that it was not enough to know the name of Jesus; they needed to know Jesus personally.

Amplified Study Bible Note

That is worthy of repeating:

it is not enough to know the NAME OF JESUS; it is needed to know the PERSON OF JESUS.

This is what has been impressed upon my heart~ to know more than the name of Jesus; to really know Him.

The last time I wrote it was about Jesus- our Emmanuel: God with us. Well, don’t be disappointed, but I am still going with an Advent-type theme here by using the words of Isaiah’s prophecy of the coming Messiah:

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

What does WONDERFUL COUNSELOR mean???

First of all, in Hebrew to be called something also means to be something. These are not nicknames for Jesus, anymore than Emmanuel is from my last blog. These are attributes of Christ. He is not called Wonderful Counselor; He IS the Wonderful Counselor.

Again, in Hebrew (I am looking through commentaries; I have not become an expert in the Hebrew language!) the word wonderful comes from a verb meaning to separate, to distinguish, or to make great.

The word wonderful or wonder is often applied to something that goes above and beyond the ordinary; like a miracle or what strikes a person as amazing. It would evoke the emotion of awe.

The Messiah will be wonderful in His person; both God and man in one. What He does will be as wonderful as who He is.

Other words that can be used in place of the description of wonderful are:

*marvelous

*magnificent

*glorious

*lovely

*delightful

*tremendous

*incredible

The word COUNSELOR can be explained as a person who provides advice. In today’s world, a trained counselor has their master’s degree in counseling/ marriage/family therapy/pastoral counseling/ or other related field and have met the required 600 hours of supervised practical experience after completing their schooling.

Of course there are quicker ways to become a therapist, but they would be considered more of a life coach as opposed to a person who is licensed to treat medically. Many people are able to give wise advice, but even they (even the wisest pastor) is encouraged to direct others to seek PROFESSIONAL help if or when the concern brought to the table appears to be more medical than situational.

Putting the two words together, WONDERFUL COUNSELOR, takes on a new level of understanding once we’ve expanded upon the meaning of the words.

Our Messiah is no ordinary advice giver.

Our Messiah: Wonderful Counselor.

His training goes beyond 600 hours of practical experience because He is the Alpha and the Omega: the beginning and the end.

He was the Word at the beginning! THE beginning…when all things were created. In Genesis 1: 26, God said “let US make man in OUR image, in OUR likeness..”

Our Messiah has more than a master’s degree or even a doctorate to qualify Him. Proverbs 2:6 writes that the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. In Proverbs 3:19, we read that it is by wisdom the Lord laid the earth’s foundation, by understanding he set the heavens in place and by his knowledge the deeps were divided and the clouds let drop the dew.

Where does wisdom come from that the Lord freely uses???

The fear of the Lord is the BEGINNING of wisdom and knowledge of the Holy One IS understanding.

Proverbs 9:10 NIV

Wisdom begins WITH the Lord.

Why? Because He IS the counselor…the wonderful counselor.

Why is Jesus -the WONDERFUL COUNSELOR- something I need or someone to focus on?

Confession time, folks:

because I do not know everything.

I cannot see into the future to know what is coming and neither can my friends. I have been blessed with wise people that I can turn to for advice, but their advice is limited to what they know.

There have been times in my life that I figured if I asked everybody all around me for their input I would get the advice I seek coming from all angles.

Sounds like a good plan, right?

Except by going to different people when seeking specific advice I received conflicting counsel that confused and discouraged me while raising up my anxiety due to my increased uncertainty.

Now I need answers and have anxiety….great. Talk about not getting the solution I was looking for!

What happens when I turn to the Lord for His wonderful counsel? Do I get a concrete TURN LEFT HERE, AMY from Him?

Goodness I wish.

But, no.

God’s wonderful counsel looks more like, “trust Me…wait on Me…look to Me”.

How on earth is that advice???

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and LEAN NOT ON YOUR OWN UNDERSTANDING. In all your ways acknowledge Him and HE WILL DIRECT YOUR PATH.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Can you see the wisdom there? And the benefit from following the advice?

Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you.

Psalm 55:22

Can you see it now??

Confidently approach the throne from which God gives grace so that we may receive mercy and find grace in our time of need.

Hebrews 4:16

How do you handle people that are mean to you or you don’t agree with? Jesus, the wonderful counselor, tells us to love our neighbors as ourselves.

What do you do when someone is succeeding in this world but you are not? Jesus, the wonderful counselor, tells us not to worry about other people’s fate and to just follow Him (John 21:22).

What about your finances?? Jesus spoke of how God took care of the sparrows and the lilies of the field so why doubt that He will take care of us. In Philippians 4:19 we are reminded that God will supply all of your NEEDS according to His riches in glory by Christ.

One more thing about a counselor:

Having Jesus by our side in flesh and blood would have been marvelous, wouldn’t it? It would have been seemingly easy to drop everything in our life and follow Him like the disciples did. It would have been easy to face the persecution and lack of comfort because we had Jesus performing miracles walking with us 24/7 (I’m being a little facetious as I doubt it would be all that easy, yet they did it).

However, Jesus told His disciples in John 14:16 that someone better would come in His absence. That there would be someone to do even greater works (more wonderful) because Jesus was leaving them to return to the Father.

This Helper would be with us forever. We are told He will abide with us. This Helper would be a COUNSELOR.

We have been given the Holy Spirit to comfort us, guide us, educate us, warn us, remind us…

We have a wonderful counselor 24/7.

We have THE Wonderful Counselor 24/7.

Focusing on Him when I am conflicted will guide me in the direction I need to go to find peace, to feel loved, to gain confidence, to obtain the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22), to keep me in the presence of God.

He is more than I think and can do more than I can imagine.

Jesus is Wonderful Counselor.

As we are coming out of the holiday season I have Jesus, our Emmanuel, on my mind.

Is it Emmanuel or Immanuel?? With an E or an I?

Here’s what Google had to say about that: “the answer lies in the languages behind the English translations.” With the OT written in Hebrew and the NT being written Greek we can see that the Greek favored the “E”.

There you go.

The other day I had written that I am feeling called deeper into who the person of Jesus is…His gifts are so wonderful that we (I) lose focus on Him as my salvation.

HE is THE joy of salvation.

Whether I receive anything else from Him that is good or not, I want -no, I crave- HIM to be enough!

I want to want to crave that.

The apostle Paul wrote that he considered everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them (his education, position, prestige, life of luxury and power) rubbish, that I may gain Christ {Philippians 3:8}.

He is saying that the life he had before following Jesus- all the successes he had acquired- was NOTHING and GARBAGE compared to knowing Jesus.

NOTHING and GARBAGE compared to knowing Christ as Lord.

That is IT.

Can you say that about your faith walk? I mean REALLY say it??? That NOTHING else matters but KNOWING Jesus?

Whether in comfort or in want Paul gained contentment…because of Christ.

Can you imagine living your life that way? In TRUE CONTENTMENT? Where it wouldn’t matter what diagnosis you just received…if your spouse stayed with you see or left you alone with your small children and all of the bills…if you passed or failed an exam…if your dreams were achieved or smashed into a million pieces..

Imagine that.

So yeah…I’m leaning into it. I kind of think you may be too (or at least are a little curious) because you are choosing to follow along with me while I go where this journey will take me…us.

Prior to the holidays, I had a remarkable opportunity to offer encouragement to those who are grieving in an attempt to offer them some hope through the holidays. I was able to dig into the name of Jesus as Emmanuel and found something to say about it. Since most of you didn’t get to attend those “live events” mentioned, I’ll share what I uncovered as a start into learning the personhood of Jesus: Emmanuel.

There was a prophecy of the coming Messiah that was given as a promise to God’s chosen people in the book of Isaiah…here is where we first learn that EMMANEUL will be His name:

Isaiah 7:14

Therefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign: the virgin will conceive and give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel.

This scripture is repeated to Joseph- as in ‘Mary and Joseph’-  in a dream by an angel and told to us in Matthew 1:23.

The angel said that they were to call their son Jesus…Emmanuel…which is translated to mean GOD WITH US.

For the record: this is not a “nickname” like how I call my son Nic, Niccy.

Calling Jesus ‘Emmanuel’ is more like a description: it is GIVING SIGNIFICANCE TO HIS ROLE…to who He is.

God is WITH us because of Jesus.

The fulfillment of the Scripture through the prophecy of Isaiah that says Jesus is Emmanuel- God with us– emphasizes that GOD IS FAITHFUL TO HIS PROMISES IN SENDING THE MESSIAH.

When did Isaiah first received this promise of Emmanuel?

When he was living in a time of extreme political upheaval and the time was coming for the impending consequences of the people’s blatant disobedience to God. The Law of God was given to Moses way back in the beginning of the Bible; that’s when God very clearly made an agreement with His chosen people…obey me and you will receive all the promises I have offered: disobey Me and you won’t… you can’t. The people made an agreement- a covenant- with God saying they would follow Him and serve Him.

But…people are fickle and forgetful. They forgot their promise and that God was faithful to His word…especially when it came to being disciplined.

So…by the time of Isaiah- about 700 BC- the fall of the Kingdom that had been chosen by God was about to happen…God had prepared the way for it to happen and told Isaiah of His plan.

Can you imagine, being Isaiah, and KNOWING that this awful time was coming? Trying to warn people about it…to warn kings…but no one would listen; no one would change their ways?

It would be so distressing…to be a chosen prophet of God and to KNOW that DOOM is impending and no one is listening to your warning about it…

Now, our history lesson could end with the destruction of the Israel nation, but that would not be how God WORKS in history…HIS story.

You see~

God ALWAYS has a redemption plan. ALWAYS.

God is ALWAYS working things for good.

God is ALWAYS taking what was planned for evil and using it for good.

It is who He is…Goodness personified.

Our GOOD God, reveals His plan of the coming captivity of His people to Isaiah…but He also REVEALS His secret- a promise of HOPE so Isaiah and all those who WOULD COME TO BELIEVE HIM would be strengthened to press on …this promise was that there WILL be a Savior…a Messiah…that they would see Immanuel-God with us.

Later, when Joseph hears the news of his wife being pregnant before they were legally married…he is REELING from what it is that Mary had told him had happened: that she was chosen by God to be the mother of the Savior of the world.  

Times are not all that different these days in what our response might be to that kind of news.

Joseph had to have been angry. Hurt. Confused.

In those days…a woman would have been STONED to death for her betrayal. HER betrayal…like it only takes one to tango.

If Joseph turns her in…it was a death sentence against her. Or banishment. The baby would have no future either way.

And Joseph? He would have been exposed to scandal…pity…humiliation…heartbreak.

He was afraid and did not know what to do.

We are told in Matthew 1:19 that Joseph did not want to expose Mary to public disgrace so he planned to end things with her quietly…He goes to sleep with this plan in his mind as the best possible option.

That’s when Verse 20 gives us these famous words: DO NOT BE AFRAID.

Do not be afraid of what?

How about taking Mary as his wife… believing that she WAS chosen and special… that she WAS carrying the child of God…

that HE would raise and father THE Messiah.

The angel said “do not be afraid” because this child IS IMMANUEL.

Because this child IS GOD with YOU.

God’s redeeming plan has ALWAYS been a Savior…one that would REVEAL to us that God IS with us…that He is Emmanuel.

I could conclude this blog by saying you should find comfort through your hard times by simply thinking about Emmanuel– that God is with you.

However, as I am grieving today…I know it is not as easy as that.

I sure wish it was. But it isn’t.

I wish I could say that God is with us therefore in His presence we will not feel pain…or loneliness…or fear…or discouragement as we face every memory we ever had with our loved over the years and realize that those moments are now in the past.

Yet, the redeeming plan has ALWAYS been Emmanuel…God with us.

Isaiah was told this good news during a time of heated politics…we are certainly familiar with that, aren’t we?

Isaiah was told this when he knew something REALLY BAD was going to happen and there was no way to stop it because time had run out. Many of us are also familiar with how that feels because we’ve gotten an ominous diagnosis for ourself or someone we love.

Joseph was told this when he was devastated…brokenhearted…facing a changed future and a loss of his dreams…scared…confused…angry.

I have felt these things…so I am sure I am not alone in having empathy for him.

I am sure I am not alone in feeling like I need to be reassured…to not be afraid…to be encouraged…to have HOPE.

The promised hope was ALWAYS in Emmanuel…God with us.

But HOW is that a comfort to me, you ask??

God, who always WAS and always WILL BE…has a redemptive plan, a restoring plan… for you and for me…even through THESE times of grief, strife, confusion, illness, or whatever it is you may be experiencing.

I can say this because I am a living witness to it… I have SEEN  His goodness…I have seen His faithfulness as I have wandered through the valley of the shadow of death…I have seen His provision, His protection…I have seen His healing, His LOVE…

Give an AMEN in the comments if you too can say YOU HAVE SEEN HIM as well!!

Be encouraged that you will see His goodness moving in your life again.

And if you have never experienced the goodness of God?

You can ask God RIGHT NOW to begin opening your eyes to His mercy and gentleness that IS all around you.

Before Christ was born, did you know that there was 400 years of documented SILENCE after the last prophet shared a word from God? That also means there was 400 years between the time of the last book in the Old Testament being written and the New began.

There was 400 years of silence…of burdens…of fear…of worry…of oppression…

AND OF HOPE.

For 400 years, all the people of God had was HOPE THAT GOD’S WORD WAS TRUE…that a Messiah WOULD come…that He would save them…free them from captivity…end their suffering…

They clung to the promises of God to sustain them…they clung to the witnesses of God that had been written down or shared from generation to generation…they clung to their traditions- no matter how bad they felt…no matter how hopeless their situation…no matter how deep their hurt.

They went to the temple to pray and worship.

They offered their sacrifices of praise as they had been instructed.

They spoke of the faithfulness of God and of His promises that had been fulfilled and those that they BELIEVED STILL WOULD BE.

They trusted in Emmanuel.

God with us means we have HIS strength to lean on when we feel we cannot take one more step…

God with us means we have His JOY inside of us- over the wonder of who He is- despite our current circumstances.

God with us means we rest in CONFIDENCE that there will be a day when there is no more death, dying, sickness, crying, or pain …because our Emmanuel conquered the grave.

Do you WANT  hope? Do you WANT joy in His salvation??

NOW is the time to DO  something….to THINK something different.

I would encourage you to do as Isaiah did when he saw the writing on the wall of destruction and despair for the people he loved…

Do as the people of God did as they waited in an enormous time of silence…wondering if their suffering would ever end…if the promises of God were really true…if all they had lived for was for naught…

Do as Joseph did when he feared to BELIEVE in something bigger than himself…and was afraid to ACT on that belief…

REMEMBER GOD.

Put Him before you…put Him before the busyness of these days…put Him before the superficiality that drains you…

Praise Him for who He is…and dare to trust in what He WILL do.

Search for His PEACE…don’t be afraid of the quiet-where you could hear His voice as both Joseph and Isaiah could…and that place that you feel peaceful? I would encourage to return to it as often as you possibly can!

Seek EMMANUEL…God with us.

Focusing on Him WILL ease the strain…even if for only those moments of focus…but, if I can have two minutes of peace in my hour that is better than having all 60 minutes in agony.

And those two minutes?

They give me HOPE for more peace to come as I trust in Emmanuel.

That hope restores the joy of His salvation…the joy of Jesus.

Psalm 51:12 is a plea to God to restore to me the joy of Your salvation and sustain me with a willing spirit.

Amen to all that.

How have you all been? I’ve been rather AWOL lately. I’m thankful for the multitude of saved blogs that I have been able to share a second (or third time) to get me by over these last two months of zero writing!

Has it really been that long since I sat down to write???

Dang y’all. I feel like I’ve been through an emotional wringer and am finally coming out on the other side of the abyss I was dangling over.

Throw in the holidays and it’s no small miracle that I lost track of time.

I’ve been bobbing around in the deep waters…not quite drowning, but not swimming strong either. Know what I mean?

It made me very tired. Zero emotional energy to spare. Notta lick of extra physical energy left to do more that what NEEDED to be done.

That kind of fatigue makes a person numb.

And that’s the island resort I’ve been hanging around on since early October: Casa de la Numbness.

I’ve had a sermon topic rolling around in my head for a long time and am thankful for an upcoming opportunity to preach it in February…and that is the verse stated above about the joy of His salvation returning to me.

No spoilers here (impossible anyway, since the sermon isn’t more than a few notes on my phone), but I am still thinking quite a bit on the subject and decided to bring my thoughts here to you.

In case you’ve been following me, you should know that my girlfriend with colon cancer completed her race against it…she won and has been living in victory since October 10, 2021. We, those left behind that knew and loved her immensely, have been living in heartache ever since.

My beloved first born has also left the nest and has begun his life’s adventure of being in the U.S. Navy. He left our home on December 7, 2021 and we have now gone the absolute longest of not talking to him or seeing him since he has been in my womb.

The two circumstances on their own are difficult transitions, but paired together while overlapping has proven to be quite complicated to process. I could not unravel the grief and loss of one from the other as my memories are entangled and the wounds are so fresh.

One feeling of loss would too easily spiral into a multitude of painful feelings to the point that I could no longer tell what or who I was crying over. All I knew was I was crying…again.

I miss my friend.

I miss my son.

I would share my life with him with her…and he knew everything there was about her as she was in our lives since before he was born. Now, through the biggest moments of both relationships, there is no sharing in either direction.

Just a dead end.

Dead ends lead to despair.

Do you see why having joy restored is on my mind? I figure I may not be the only one who feels like they need a willing spirit to be sustained.

Psalm 51:12 is about more than my joy….it is about where I find it: and the truth of the matter is that it is in God’s salvation.

This Psalm is King David’s cry for forgiveness and mercy; his desire to be made new and whole after his sin with Bathsheba (adultery and murder is his story, folks).

“Do you ever feel stagnant in your faith, as though you are just going through the motions? Has sin ever driven a wedge between you and God, making Him seem distant? David felt this way…In his prayer he cried, “Restore to me the joy of your salvation.” God wants us to be close to Him and to experience His full and complete life.”

NIV Life Application Bible Study Note pg 881

Grief has made my faith stagnant.

I do not say that lightly, nor do I say it to cause concern over how deeply or not my faith roots have been dug. I say it with 100% honesty because IT IS THE TRUTH and we will all experience the valley at some point or another.

Grief, though, IS NOT sin. However, like sin, it can create a barrier -or a wedge even- between me and God. It causes an obstruction for how I can feel the presence of God. God is still there…my grief keeps me from sensing Him.

Therefore, it is the cry of my own heart for God to RESTORE TO ME THE JOY OF HIS SALVATION!!

John 3:16-17 tells us of God’s incredible plan formed out of His love for us (watch for the secret word of the day as we read these “red letters” of Jesus together)~

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to SAVE the world through Him.

NIV

Did you see it??

SAVE.

Jesus was sent by God to SAVE us.

Being SAVED is our salvation. Jesus IS our Savior.

OUR JOY IN HIS SALVATION IS OUR JOY IN JESUS.

We can get so focused on what we are to do as Christians, we might lose our focus on WHO IT IS that made us Christians in the first place.

We can all too easily lose track of the GIVER when we focus on the GIFTS…the healing instead of the HEALER…the burden that was lifted and not the One who is carrying the load on my behalf.

To me, this Psalm means to restore to me to the wonder and awe of JESUS; to fix my eyes on Him once again so I can be sustained.

I wanted to write on this theme during advent or vlog it, but…yeah…I didn’t. Maybe, just maybe, it is better to focus on JESUS now that the hubbub of Christmas is behind us…maybe, just maybe, God had a better plan when He allowed my writer’s block to happen and gave me much needed time to heal and process my losses.

Maybe, just maybe, now is the time to focus on Christ.

Jesus: the most beautiful wonderful powerful name.

Jesus: Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord- even the stones will cry it out in praise if all else is made silent.

Jesus: at His name the blind see, the lame walk, the deaf hear.

Jesus: Emmanuel- God with us.

Jesus: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Jesus: Lord of both the dead and the living.

Jesus: our resurrected King.

Can you feel it? Can you feel the JOY rising inside of you by just reading those words?? Can you imagine how His joy will be restored to you as you spend time reflecting on Him??

That’s what we’re going to do: a new series on Jesus.

Stay tuned.

Psalm 23:6

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

This is the conclusion verse to Psalm 23 and the last of this six-part series. If you did not know there were five other pieces to read, then feel free to search out my posts to read them!!

Surely goodness and mercy shall folloqw me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

NKJV

I’ve read this verse in different ways: with the clarification of the word “Your” added prior to goodness which illuminates that this is God’s goodness and mercy; that “follow me” is interchangeable with “pursue me”.

Your goodness and mercy will follow and pursue me…

That makes me question what is good, anyway?

To fully understand goodness, we must define what is, in fact, good.

The dictionary (yes, I looked it up) uses these words to define it:

• high quality
• bountiful
• attractive
• suitable
• reliable
• agreeable
• wholesome
• amusing
• well-founded
• true
• honorable
• virtuous
• benevolent
• competent
• loyal
• close

Something that is good is something conforming to the moral order of the universe; something that is praiseworthy.

In the Creation Story, we hear of God saying in Genesis 1:9 that the separation of dry ground (land) and gathered waters (seas) was good. He declares it again when the land produced vegetation, when the sun, moon, and stars were created, after the creation of living things in the sea and the birds that fly, and when animals began moving on the ground.

Genesis 1:31

God saw all that He had made and it was very good.

NIV

We first hear of something not being good from God as well…

Genesis 2:18

The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.

NIV

The Creation Story also introduces the concept that there is a difference between good and evil…If not introduced to this, there would be no knowledge of its existence.

Adam (and later Eve) was instructed to not eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil…He was given a CHOICE.

Why is there an importance in having a choice between good and evil??

God wants us to obey Him. However, He gives us the opportunity to choose whether or not to do so. God offers freedom, not a prison of obligation, that has rewards for obedience and consequences for disobedience.

Therefore, to understand what is good, we must accept that there is evil as well..

…and that there is always a choice between the two.

So…based on Genesis, what is God’s good that is going to pursue me?

His creation…life, breath, purpose.

His ability to create….creatively, uniquely, marvelously.

His concept of order and function that is without chaos.

Based on Genesis, what is evil?

Sin. Shame before God. Disobedience. Death. Suffering.

Evil was NOT in God’s creation, but came after a CHOICE of disobedience.

In Psalm 23, we have been introduced to God as our Shepherd that provides for those He leads, restores, guides down righteous paths for His own name’s sake, protects us even though the valley is filled with shadows, helps us to not fear and comforts us, blesses us in plain view of those who oppose Him or us, and now there is this choice…do we allow His goodness to pursue us or choose evil to follow?

It all comes down to obedience.

Do we follow our Shepherd to where He knows our nourishment and tranquility will be found?

What we if we think we know better and want to go a different way?

His protection, restoration, rest, and provision are on HIS path of righteousness…that is where His goodness will be as well.

It is our choice.

Goodness is a GIFT from God…a GIFT of the Holy Spirit that we call fruit: love, joy, peace patience, kindness, GOODNESS, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. James (the brother of Christ) wrote in 1:17 that every GOOD and perfect GIFT is from above, coming down from the Father of heavenly lights (the Creator), who does not change like shifting shadows.

So, this GOODNESS, is a gift from God that will follow us as we follow Him.

Have you found that in your life?

Some people speak about karma…I don’t know much about that, but I do know that most of the time good behavior begets good behavior. Goodness tends to follow goodness.

Goodness paves the way for more goodness.

Goodness is an example for more examples of goodness.

Surely Your goodness and MERCY will follow me…

What is MERCY?

The Bible often interchanges the word LOVINGKINDNESS for mercy…they seem like two different things, but perhaps they go more hand-in-hand than I first thought.

Mercy is defined as compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is is within one’s power to punish or harm.

Mercy is an extension of compassion and a result from forgiveness.

Have you ever done something really wrong and did not get in trouble for it? Sometimes, I have believed that it was merciful I was never caught so I did not have to stand and face the punishment.

However, the awareness that God has been so merciful to shield and protect me from the consequences of my own stupidity at times is incredibly humbling…and I still had to face HIM for forgiveness where I am, again, met with more mercy.

• 

GRACE is getting something you don’t deserve, and MERCY is NOT getting what you DO deserve.

unknown

Surely Your goodness and mercy- things I do not always deserve based on my actions- will follow me AND PURSUE me all the days of my life…not some days, not most days- ALL THE DAYS.

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

I used to think that this meant after I die…as if this is the goal…the #outcome of salvation. Considering EVERYTHING we have discussed over these six verses, we should know that this is no future tense comment: the writer literally means that he WILL dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

That means NOW and later.

How can that be?

It is because he is being pursued by goodness and mercy…WE are being pursued by goodness and mercy.

WE have a feast of blessing being prepared for us NOW for all to see…we do not have to wait until eternity. God is wanting to LAVISH all His goodness and mercy onto you now!

The anointing can begin NOW!

Our Shepherd is guiding us NOW to where we will rest, where we will be full, where we will not want for MORE.

We are being guided, protected, and comforted NOW as we choose to follow our Shepherd and step under His provision.

What else would the Kingdom look like if not all that???

Jesus instructed us to pray Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven…

Well…this is Kingdom living folks!

This IS Thy will…to follow our Shepherd…to trust Him…to lean on Him for everything…and when we CHOOSE to do so, we will find His goodness and mercy following us all our days.

That doesn’t mean our life will suddenly look “perfect” and without pain or suffering-remember, there is that valley in verse 4.

It means we have a companion who is GOOD. A helper who defines GOODNESS. A protector who gives GOODNESS.

The choice is ours to make…each and every day…will you follow Him?

• 

• 

We have been studying through Psalm 23 one verse at a time~ if you haven’t been following along, go back and check out those four other blogs to catch up!

Through this lectio divina we have learned that God is our Shepherd who provides all we need, that He restores us to what we have been created to be, and that He guides and protects us through whatever valley or circumstance we find ourselves to be in.

To be completely honest, I am in a valley these days, folks…and am desperate for His rod and staff to comfort me.

• 

That being said, let’s dig into Psalm 23:5 ~

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

NIV

• 

Putting this verse into the context of the whole passage is necessary…On its own, it sounds great! A celebration is being prepared for me in front of those who hate me or wish me harm?? Sign me up!

That doesn’t seem like the usual motive, though…

There must be more to it than that… especially since this verse follows the reference to the valley of the shadow of death and not fearing evil.

I believe the deeper meaning of this verse begins with the table being prepared… The Shepherd, who provides for all we need, is preparing a table.

In one commentary, it is mentioned that an alternate meaning to the word “table” is “feast”… We are again seeing that the Shepherd is giving more than what we think we need: this is no ordinary meal being prepared- this is a feast.

Another wording suggests an annointing is being prepared… A blessing, sanctification, an ordaining (being chosen).

All this is in the presence of my enemies…

Whaaaat?

In spite of others who do not support or understand what the Lord is doing or who He is, this annointing is being made ready for you.

So, our Shepherd who already gives us all we need is preparing more in plain view for all to see…where what He is preparing cannot be hindered or ruined or affected by those that don’t desire it for themselves or for you.

What could this table, this feast…this annointing...be?

The mark of God’s favor is public.

The blessing of the Lord is for all to see.

The Fruit of the Spirit is to reveal God’s glory and goodness.

The Lord’s witnessed provision is to draw others to Him.

The gifts from the Spirit point to Jesus as King.

Why is it so significant for all this to be seen??

John 3:17

God did not send his Son to the world to condemn the world but to save it through Him.

NIV

Preparing more than what has already been provided and doing so for all to see is what a loving father does.

God wants others to see how He lavishes His love on those who follow the Shepherd…He wants others to long to follow Him too.

• 

You anoint my head with oil – oil is a symbol for gladness. In Hebrew times, pouring oil onto a person was a sign of respect and cleansing when a person came to visit or in burial preparation.

Today, an anointing of oil is used in prayers for healing or protection, in last rites, and christenings or baptisms.

While at this table that has been prepared, to be anointed with oil suggests a continued giving of good things- not just out of need either, but out of delight.

Imagine it: you are given an abundance of good things because God delights in delighting you.

Think about that for a minute.

God has given you what He knows you need…air, water, life, love, friends and family. Then, He gives enough that even if you could have more you do not wish for it. Then, He still gives even more.

To the point that your cup overflows.

Here is an example that comes to my mind~

The Lord knows I need companionship so, on top of giving me the gift of His Holy Spirit that will never leave me, He has given me a wonderful husband that is also my best friend.

In addition to Dan, I was given the gift of a relationship with Dan’s sister- I gained both a friend and a sister in one beautiful package.

Dan and I were best friends with his sister and her husband…but then we met another couple: Dan and Ali.

Ali was the real deal in the friend department…I thought Dan’s sister was enough -as well as other friends I was surrounded with- but Ali was something special.

She was something more.

After the death of Dan’s sister, Ali was still there. She and her family were there to comfort us, laugh with us, really know us.

We raised our children together and watched each other grow up.

After the death of Dee, Dan and I were drawn into a relationship with the Lord and soon found even more friends to fill the void left by the death of his sister.

Dan and I drew closer to each other as well and our family unit of four became our top priority above all other relationships.

We thought we had all we needed in Christ, in each other, and in these pre-existing friendships. We were satisfied and content…we felt blessed.

But God delights in what delights us remember?

Out of the blue a few years ago, I found myself in a friendship with others.. . relationships I wasn’t looking to foster and didn’t think I needed.

The Lord knew….and was paving a way to provide for even more.

These women surrounded my family when we were in a time of dire need. They embraced my children as their own family. They welcomed us into their families as well. They walked through fire with us and prayed fervently for us and with us.

They were in place when Ali got sick: she was diagnosed with colon cancer six years ago. She fought the fight hard and finished the race…on October 10, 2021…my friend has died.

And I have not been left alone.

As I have walked through the valley of the shadow of death, I have been comforted by my Shepherd. He has also prepared a table for me, for all to see.. He has blessed me with more…

In my life, in this example, His provision has been more friends than I ever knew I needed; better friends than I deserve; godly sisters that my heart has desired since the passing of our Dee….that will hold me up as I grieve my beautiful Ali.

My cup overflows.

Have you seen the Lord’s provision in your life? It could look like financial blessings, extra protection, career success, an abundance of more.

Can you see His hand guiding you, forgiving you, calling for you although you do not feel worthy?

Have you given of your time, energy, finances and found that God gave you more in return?

Is your cup overflowing?

Encourage yourself by remembering a time when it has!

The awareness of how good our God is is humbling…how good He is to us surpasses our understanding.

Sometimes, it is because of the valley I am able to see the table being prepared more clearly. Perhaps, my eyes are open to His abundant goodness because I am more aware in that valley that He is all I need.

• 

And my cup overflows.

May you feel His oil of gladness pouring over your head today in an abundancy of blessings for all to see.

Psalm 23 is one of the most beloved Psalms written…and, if I had to guess, verse 4 is one of the most well-known verses in this chapter. The last time I wrote (Psalm23:3~ Lectio_Divina), it was about verse 3: being restored.

This writing on verse 4 is going to take me in a whole other direction: as my wise friend says, “good, bad, who knows?” It just is.

Psalm 23:4

Even 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.

NIV

Death casts a frightening shadow over us because we are entirely helpless in its presence. We can struggle with other enemies- pain, suffering, disease, injury- but strength and courage cannot overcome death. It has the final word. Only one person can walk with us through death’s dark valley and bring us safely to the other side- the God of life, our shepherd. Because life is uncertain, we should follow this shepherd who offers us eternal comfort.

NIV Life Application Study Bible Study Note, pg 848

Most of us are familiar, in a not-so-friendly way, with death.

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Many of you may be in deep, fresh grief while reading this right now.

My own heart is struggling to accept the inevitable “final goodbye” I will have to say someday soon as a dear friend has entered hospice.

As an RN, I can say that there is no worse a feeling than being in the moment when it is realized those horrible words must be spoken to a family: there is nothing more we can do. I’ve had to speak those words to patients and families as well as stand by a physician when they have had to utter them.

The moment of silence that follows could fill a stadium.

Next come the questions:

• what do you mean?
• how has this happened?
• you can’t mean that?
• there must be something…?
• are you sure?
• this is not possible…
• so soon?
• so fast?
• but, you said…?
• what now??

It is a helpless feeling.

In the days to months that follow a death of a person we have loved, we begin to experience strange things: an intense disbelief that this is our reality mixed with the heightened awareness that this has indeed happened…we may think we see or hear our person while out in public…we may try to call them on the phone before realizing it is futile…we become confused, exhausted, anxious, fearful, angry.

• 

After my father in law died, I was at the grocery store in the milk aisle. It was there that I saw “him”. He was looking into the milk section while I was standing over by the yogurt. When I turned, “he” was standing there in a baseball cap and a t-shirt. By the time I stopped myself, I had crossed midway into the aisle in order to approach him to say “hi” and give him a hug. In the first moment, my heart leaped in recognition and in the second, it fell to the pit of my stomach when I realized I was so very wrong.

It was not dad.

Dad was gone.

Rough stuff, folks.

In the presence of death, we stand helpless.

Looking into today’s verse, we must search for what the author, King David, is saying otherwise we are all going to end up in a puddle of tears!

Verses 1-3 had us describing our Shepherd and how He provides for us, protects us, and guides us. He leads us to a place where we are tranquilly at rest and restored into the proper relationship with Him that we were created for: a place where we are safe, secure, loved, whole, and have all our needs met.

The first part of verse 4 is a key point to reflect on:

“EVEN THOUGH“

It is important to note that our faith does not shield us from the “even though’s” of life. Just because we are believers in Christ and are the heirs of heaven, we are not immune to the struggles that plague this earth since The Fall.

Jesus told us in John 16:33 that in this world you will have trouble.

Therefore, the even though moments are going to happen until that day when, as Revelation 21:4 proclaims, He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain for the old order of things has passed away!

David had may of those even though moments…as a shepherd he was alone and separated from his family; as a soldier, he was hated by a jealous King Saul who then chased him for years in an attempt to assassinate him; as a friend, he learned of the death of his best friend Jonathon; as a king, he watched his child die after he had sinned with Bathsheba; as a king he again faced assassination attempts from his own son Absalom.

David walked through that valley of death many times…and could say even though.

So, we know we will have troubles and trials and suffering…but what is that valley of the shadow of death our verse speaks of?

Let me know the coordinates and I will FOR SURE avoid it!

When I think of a valley, I think of a landscape that is surrounded by higher ground. It could be an area surrounded by hills or mountains. It could be a lush ground because it is where the water runs off the mountains into. It could be an environment carved out by the forces of nature as it changes that landscape. It could be dry in some seasons while flooded in others.

It could be treacherous.

It could be difficult terrain.

It could be scary.

In a valley, the best option to exit is to walk through it as the surrounding landscape could be too harsh to climb.

The adjoining hillsides can block the sun, casting a shadow into the valley.

This means that although the sun is shining elsewhere, it is blocked from view…it is obstructed…the warmth of it is not felt…the light of it is not seen…there is only shadow.

An ominous shadow.

This valley, in those even though moments, is covered by the shadow of death.

There is only one way through this valley…there is no climbing out of it…we must walk it:

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death…

As mortal beings, death is inevitable.

We have heard of a saying~

There are only two things certain in life: death and taxes.

Benjamin Franklin

As an RN of almost 30 years, I have come to believe that death is as natural to living as birth is…

Tough ideology to accept.

The Bible has honestly told we will have those even though moments and we are all going to face the reality of the valley of the shadow of death…

What do we do with them, we ask??

I WILL FEAR NO EVIL.

How is that possible? NO fear? No fear in the unknown? The suffering? The finality? The emptiness? The quiet of the grave?

HOW?

FOR YOU ARE WITH ME.

Over 27 times, the Bible tells us that God will NEVER leave us or forsake (abandon) us.

Jesus Himself said in Matthew 28:20 that He will be with us until the end of the age.

The apostle Paul wrote in Romans 8:38-39 that he was convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

EVEN THOUGH we are walking THROUGH the valley of the shadow of death, we can claim that we will FEAR NO EVIL because God is with us!!

Not only that, we are also comforted on the journey through the dreaded valley!

We have tools to help us…we do not need to do this on our own!

The STAFF: a shepherding tool that is used to

lean on when the ground is not dry or safe;

sit on for support when the shepherd needs rest;

rescue those in danger or difficult situations;

guide the sheep so they would stay on track.

The ROD: it is not a tool for correction or discipline, but to

protect the flock against attackers;

count the sheep.

The ROD and STAFF are part of the same tool working together in the shepherd’s hands.

What does that mean for us as tools of comfort?

The staff is a symbol that says we can lean on the Lord, we can find rest in Him.

It is a symbol that means He can pull us out of trouble- 1 Corinthians 10:13 God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up against it.

It is a symbol of God as our guide- He leads us beside the still waters, remember?

The rod is a symbol that God goes before you against your enemies- Romans 8:31 If God is for us, who can be against us??

It is a symbol of God’s love for us as He counts us as one of His own.

Even though I walk through the sunless valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod (to protect) and Your staff (to guide), they comfort and console me.

AMP

When I face those even though days that have me walking through the valley of the shadow of death, I am comforted to know that because I am not alone I do not have to fear any evil because I am guided and protected by my Shepherd.

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.

He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,

he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.

NIV

I have been given all I need, I am able to rest tranquilly, and now my soul is refreshed.

Goodness….that’s good stuff.

He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.

NKJV

REFRESH.

RESTORE.

REVITALIZE.

REVIVE.

REINVIGORATE.

FORTIFY.

• 

I love a good massage. I love the whole environment…the atmosphere…the aura.

If you’ve never been for one, then FIRST, I highly recommend you make the splurge on one and SECOND, let me tell you about it.

My favorite massage is the kind where you need to make an appointment beforehand. The one you get in the mall is just fine, but the ambiance is missing from the experience there.

When I arrive at the designated place for my appointment, I am taken into a room that screams quiet (quite paradoxical, I realize): the lights have been dimmed, the workers speak in hushed tones, the music is quietly playing in the background without lyrics.

I sit silently in a cozy chair while I wait.

Softly, I am kindly approached by my person and escorted into a room where the table is prepared for me. This room is perfect in temperature (not too cool or too warm) and also dimly lit. There is a slight aroma of a calming oil filling the air and my senses.

I am left alone to position myself on the table under the tightly wrapped blanket that is warming the bed for my arrival.

After being introduced to the scent that most appeals to me, my person returns to the room and begins the massage.

The process is meant to soothe all my senses: vision through the removal of the fluorescent lights, auditory through the combined sounds of nature and instruments filtering into the room, touch (tactile) through the gentle pressure of warmed oils by a trained professional masseuse, and smell (olfactory) through the chosen scent of oil.

In the quietness of a room, my awareness of another sense comes into being: vestibular- sense of movement and balance. I am made conscious of where my head and body are in this space.

Through the sweeping motions of massage, tension exits my body- even if only temporarily. Through this well-crafted art, an emptiness is created that is quickly filled with contentment… ease… satisfaction.

Not one thing in the world has changed. Not one problem has lifted or been solved.

Yet,

when I slowly stand up when my time has been completed, I feel different.

Restored.

Revitalized.

Recharged.

Refreshed.

There is a sense of what was wrong has been made right inside of me.

Even if for a moment, I am whole again.

There is something to be said about feeling whole, isn’t there? There is beauty in being accepted, received, forgiven, and loved exactly for you are…

That acceptance is what allows our broken pieces to be put back together.

• 

What makes you feel broken?

Is it sin?

An illness or situation that brings you to your knees in weakness?

Shame that covers you like a heavy cloak?

Our Shepherd has covered it all with His love…and His love makes us whole in His presence…made new…restored…

Without this we would aimlessly wander.

Instead, we are placed on a path of His righteousness where we are neither wearied nor hurt and no longer in danger of wandering.

Haven’t you noticed that when we go off on our own merit, we are harried, hurried, stressed, uncertain, in conflict, and sometimes, in torment?

It is only through trusting in and obeying the directions given by the Shepherd that my soul is restored…that you are restored.

For His name’s sake we are empowered by the Spirit to stay the course and to remain where we are at rest in His fold; under His protection.

A massage may temporarily revitalize me physically and emotionally, but the Holy Spirit is who refreshes my soul….without an appointment…or ambiance…or soothing sounds and smells.

Though He may lead me down a path surrounded by suffering in others in ways that impact me directly…or one that allows hardship and illness to afflict me…following His right path always leads back to that place of tranquil rest: where I have all I need…where I am whole.

It is then that I am restored and refreshed. Once again, I am better able to confidently step back out on that righteous path where He is guiding me.

So…how good does having your soul refreshed and restored sound now?