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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.

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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?

It has been a while since I wrote about verse one. I would highly recommend going back to read my Blog about it-I just did for a refresher!

Psalm 23:1 reads

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.

NIV

While studying deeply into that verse, we discussed at great lengths what a SHEPHERD is…and what a SHEPHERD does: provides, protects, and guides.

Psalm 23:2

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

NIV

You let me rest in fields of green grass, you lead me to streams of peaceful waters

CEV

In multiple commentaries on this verse, the word “REST” stands out to mean  repose: a state of tranquility in one particular place.

Think about that for a minute…being tranquil (free from disturbance; calm) in one place.

When was the last time you rested calmly- tranquilly- without thinking of what else needs to be done or where else you need to go?

Let’s be honest~ I can be on a beach while on vacation and relax entirely. HOWEVER, my mind is often wandering to what we will eat for dinner or what the plan will be for the next day.

If you have small children, this thinking is intensified no matter how relaxed you are in that moment of watching them play.

If you have teenagers- if we’re being honest- worrying if they are having as much fun as you are will also be on your mind in that moment.

• 

If you are a woman- utter transparency here- concern over how you look in your bathing suit may filter through your thoughts as well.

What would tranquil look like in that moment? Probably my husband-sound asleep on the beach with no care in the world to disrupt him…because I am thinking about enough things for the both of us!

And I would still say that I am relaxed in that moment.

But am I tranquil?

So, in this verse, when we read that He makes me rest ( be tranquil in one place), a new meaning of what that is suddenly surfaces. It looks different now, doesn’t it?

Where do we rest? In green pastures.

I read an article once that taught what we think of green pastures and what that means in Israel is not the same thing! I live in Michigan, so, when I picture pastures of green I am thinking of rolling hills with wild flowers beautifully canvasing the landscape.

Therefore, what this means biblically is a place of both delight and plenty. It refers to the tender shoots- young grass- that is different from “ripe” grass. Tender grass is delicate food for the flocks and yet they lie down tranquilly upon it.

The flock is able to lie down in perfect rest on the abundancy of tender grass usually enjoyed as their food because they already have all they need…all has been provided that they require.

WE are able to rest in tranquility, although surrounded by the MORE we usually crave, without any desire to enhance what we have already received: provision, protection, and guidance from our Shepherd.

Not only are we able to rest there…but He makes us rest fully satisfied.

And then, as if that is not enough,  He leads us beside quiet waters.

I love the beauty of the ocean as it crashes wave after wave onto the shoreline…but I doubt that turbulence is perceived as restful to a crew manning a ship out at sea as they fight the beautiful yet powerful gales thrusting them to and fro.

• 

The quiet, stillness of simple waves onto the beach is soothing. I can have a conversation with someone in that calmer space. I can hear the other sounds of nature and creation that surround me while I sit watching the water.

I also love a good waterfall: in Michigan, we boast of many to enjoy! The power of the water as it pours over the edge is massive as well as amazing. I stand in awe as the water erodes the landscape, changing the environment year after year.

But am I relaxed as I watch the frenzy of water falling? Am I calm when my husband and sons try to get closer and closer to the edge to feel the splashes as it rushes by?

No.

Now picture this: the trickling of a brook or stream as it bounces off rocks heading to a bigger body of water. Perhaps the sun is sparkling off it sending twinkles of light as the water flows by peacefully.

Resting beside quiet waters, still waters, provokes no fear, no anxiety or worry, no adrenaline rush…just calmness.

There is a time and place for power….for energy…for adrenaline. But this is a time provided by our Shepherd for tranquil enjoyment of having all we need right here and now.

That is what the Shepherd is giving us: respite, repose, rest, refreshment, relaxation, rejuvenation, restoration.

The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not be in want .

It sounds wonderful.

So, we must ask the question,  how do we achieve that experience of fulfillment?

Through trusting in the Shepherd:  we MUST go where He leads.

These are wonderful verses (and we have only unpacked two of them!), but they MEAN NOTHING if we do not obey the guidance of our Shepherd…our Savior…our Father…our Lord.

Rebelling against the shepherd’s leading is actually rebelling against our own best interests. We must remember this the next time we are tempted to go our own way rather than the shepherd’s way…When we allow our Shepherd to guide us, we have contentment.

NIV Study Note

Jesus knows the green pastures and still waters that will restore you…just as He knows what is best for me. The Shepherd always knows what is best for His flock.

Our role is to trust in the Shepherd so we can be content exactly where we are in life…not where we think we should be or where we wish we were or where we used to be…exactly where we are right now.

What is your circumstance today?

Are you in pain- physically or emotionally?

Do you feel empty and without value?

Are you sick?

Are you scared?

Are you grieving?

Are you angry? Have you been hurt by someone?

My heart is aching today…my grief is real and fresh. The anticipation of that grief growing and multiplying into different directions is building. The idea of saying “goodbye” haunts my reality and torments my sleep. I do not write pithy statements of faith to only encourage you…I write to encourage me as well.

Therefore, JOIN ME in this~

Let the Good Shepherd lead you to green pastures and still waters today.

Psalm 23 could be called the best known Psalm due to its universal theme of trusting in God. It is written on plaques for decoration, sung in songs, read aloud liturgically, and even prayed. Its authorship is credited to King David- a man after God’s own heart.

I have read this Psalm for years and have found that the depth of each verse stands out collectively but also individually. To me, that is one trait to make this project an appealing challenge: to study each verse one at a time.

It has been on my heart to do this for a long time, so I will be curious to see where the Lord takes us as He reveals His message through our efforts in mediative reflection.

Psalm 23:1

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.

NIV

• 

The Amplified translation writes it this way:

The Lord is my Shepherd {to feed me, to guide and to shield me}, I shall not want.

I think to best analyze this verse, I need to understand what a shepherd is. Obviously, he is one who guards sheep…but, also, is one who guides or directs in a particular direction.

Biblically, especially Old Testement biblically, a shepherd’s role was to protect the flock while guiding them to pastures with plenty of food and slow-moving water to drink from easily. If the grass was of poor quality, the sheep would become malnourished and if the water was moving too quickly, the sheep would be fearful to drink from it.

Guiding the sheep to good pastures kept the flock healthy.

For the shepherd, providing nourishment was more than eating and drinking: it was eating and drinking what would be sustaining and edifying.

We sure can get lost in the shuffle of the day to day, can’t we? It can be too easy to get lost in the status quo and not be intentional in putting more purpose in our activities throughout our days. Being busy doesn’t make it any easier, does it?

I am a pretty busy person…For starters my work days, although I’m considered to be “part-time”, consist of random “stop times” depending on our staffing numbers at the hospital and the acuity of the patients we are caring for that day. This means I could end my work day earlier than planned (giving me extra time to accomplish things) or later than anticipated.

• 

My husband works very hard for a living as well. His job has him traveling out of state a few times a month with very little notice. Sometimes, his travel is just for one day and other times it is for almost a whole work week. Although the blessings of his traveling are apparent, it adds to the busyness of our weekly plans.

My son’s have their own things going on that require scheduling…thankfully, my oldest -although Navy bound- is home to assist me with chauffeuring the youngest son to wherever he needs to be. I am beyond grateful to have his help and that we have a vehicle for them to share when that time is needed!!

Let’s face it~ getting kids from Point A to Point B is a full-time job!!! Most parents do work for a living so getting kids to practice at all hours of the work day is difficult!!!

I also am in school again myself to finish my Ministry Preparation Program. In addition to homework, I have monthly meetings for monitoring my ministerial progress, I host Bible studies, and have friends I like to spend time with.

Did I mention that I must feed my family and buy groceries in order to do so??

I have teenage sons. Enough said.

Protecting my sheep (my son’s) and providing for them is a full-time job – and I already listed what else I am doing with my days so you are aware of the time constraints I am under.

I could easily feed them; but I more desire to nourish them.

Do you see the difference there?

Some days it is truly all I can do to put a frozen pizza in the oven or bring home take-out. They are also pretty savvy in making their own food from whatever is in the house (if I took the time to stock it). But, most days, I want to make sure that what they are eating will keep them healthy…a fairly well-balanced, mostly fresh made meal -with plenty of leftovers to get them through their evening snack hours!

I want them nourished from good pastures.

As for their calm waters to drink from? Let’s just say if I make it easy for them to stay nourished then they will do so…if I don’t have my kitchen stocked with what they can make for themselves, then I leave them to alternate options that will not meet their physical needs or minimal cooking abilities.

Does that make sense?

As a shepherd of my sheep, I need to take care of them in the best way I can to meet their needs- not my own. Frankly, I can come home from work and eat a bowl of cereal and be content. However, my weight-lifting, body building, football playing, growing 15 year old needs more than that.

• 

It is my job to provide it.

With that perspective and understanding of a shepherd as a provider in mind…let’s talk a little about the shepherd as the protector.

In biblical times, the sheep in a pasture were susceptible to attacks by predators. Remember when David went to fight Goliath?? He said he had been prepped for battle because he had fought against both a lion and a bear.

In order to protect, a shepherd must be alert to the possibility of an attack as well as aware of what would be necessary to fight.

Being ALERT and PREPARED are key factors.

Denying that trouble could be around the bend is a dangerous thing…we must not be naive to our surroundings.

Refusing to plan in advance for ways that we can be prepared against danger is also foolish. We must stay educated and diligent on how best manage or navigate certain circumstances.

David knew how to use a slingshot…I doubt using it to kill Goliath was his first attempt. I also doubt he first used it when killing a bear. I imagine he practiced using it while leading his sheep or watching over them as they ate.

David was also aware of his surroundings. This expectancy and alertness kept him in tune with the environment he was in.

As the protector, David could not prevent danger from coming to his flock, but he could certainly be prepared when it did come his way.

Can you think of the last time you felt safe? What was happening around you that aided you in feeling secure?

Was it the roof over your head in a storm?

Your spouse’s presence in the house?

The balance in your checkbook that covered your bills?

The medication you take that fights illness?

None of those things keeps danger from coming your way, but they do -in one way or another- keep you out of harm’s way.

Can you see how having a shepherd gives you all you need?

When it really comes down to it…if you are nourished and feel safe what more could you want?

If I am wearing a comfortable pair of shoes, could I desire to own a new pair? Yes. But could I recognize that I don’t need a new pair since my feet do not hurt? Yes.

Do you desire MORE? I am sure most of us do. Do we think having MORE will help us to be MORE content, MORE safe, MORE nourished? Probably.

But if I am full what more do I need? If I am full does it matter if my sustanence came from oatmeal or steak? My need had been met after all.

A good shepherd knows what I NEED and provides it: protection and nourishment and guidance.

Does he guide me where I think I should go? Not necessarily.

He guides me where he knows is best for me…where I am safest and better nourished.

THAT is what the Lord provides as our Shepherd…the One who guides and shields and feeds us.

With God in that role we truly have all we want.

Our role- as His sheep that He tenderly protects and provides for while guiding- is to trust in Him.

Can you do that?

It’s one step at time friends…one step of faith at a time.

• 

He who believes in Me {who trusts in, adheres to, and relies on Me}, as the Scripture has said, ‘from his innermost being will flow continually rivers of living water.’

John 7:38 AMP

This passage is Jesus talking to a crowd near the Tabernacle at the end of the Feast of Booths in Jerusalem (one of 3 Jewish festivals where people lived in makeshift shelters for 7 days to commemorate the Israelites wandering in the wilderness and living in tents).

Can you imagine no longer being thirsty?

Before Jesus made this statement,He called out to the crowds telling them if they are thirsty to come to Him…

These dog days of summer have been so hot! Because of the heat, I have not gone too far without my water bottle!! The heat makes me thirsty and being thirsty makes me anxious if I don’t have an option to “wet my whistle”.

Jesus is declaring when we come to Him in belief of who He is, we will have streams of living water to refresh us.

The living water He provides will satisfy us as well as others.

It will never end.

Being replenished sure sounds good, doesn’t it?

What do you need replenishment from?

Grief?

Sickness?

Loneliness?

Work fatigue?

Raising a family fatigue?

Financial fatigue?

Pain?

Endless waiting?

Insomnia?

The list can be endless.

The day to day of life can also be as draining as a crisis, can’t it??

Wouldn’t you like to dip your cup into living water that continually flows?

Jesus says it’s pretty easy…but, easier said than done on our own effort:

We must believe in Him.

That belief means we trust Him and rely on Him…

When I take a drink of cold water on a hot day, the heat of the day doesn’t change…what is altered is the soothing inside of me as the water goes down.

Also, one drink is not enough…I will require another and another to satisfy the need to soothe what is dry and parched.

The same goes with our belief in Jesus: Saying I believe can quench the first part of my thirst.

Living for Jesus, leaning on Him, spending time with Him, growing in Him is the living water He offers…which continually flows.

It’s replenishing through the pain and illness, in the grief and loneliness, while the bills are being paid and the family is being raised…

The inside is being soothed as the outside weathers on.

Continually flowing living water sounds peaceful in its neverending provision…

Drink up.

Do you like to do what you want when you want?

I believe, here in the US, we call that our right, correct?

It is through my freedoms provided by my country, I am enabled to do what I want when I want to do it.

Most of us do that within reason, though,don’t we? I mean, if I am running late and I come to a red light I do stop at it even though I want to keep going.

We wait in lines (mostly patient) at stores or amusement parks even though we want to be the first in line.

We teach our children that dessert comes after dinner even though they want it NOW.

Those, and other examples aside, we still want what we want and when we want it.

These days, the word we use to describe that “feeling” is instant gratification.

Other words or phrases that can be applicable to this desire are entitled or privileged.

If we are being honest, this pull to have what we want has also corrupted our faith..we want the benefit of grace without accepting the accountability to God for extending it to us.

We want the gift without the occasion or thank you note.

My son just graduated from high and chose to have an Open House. My husband told him that other than a wedding, this is the primo time in life where people are incredibly generous with their gift giving whether they know you well or not.

The occasion is his high graduation celebration and entering into the phase of his life (US Navy bound🤗).

His “job” is now to say thank you for the generosity displayed toward him.

Let’s be real, NO ONE likes to write thank you notes, but they are a necessary “evil” aren’t they?

We MUST tell the gift-giver thank you for the gift.

We simply must.

If we don’t?

People notice.

Worse than that?

They remember.

I believe a lack of gratitude comes full circle…think of that person who did not say thank you~ I am going to imagine that was not the first time in their life they did not express thanks. I would go so far to assume they felt entitled to what was given to them so -in their mind- why be grateful?

That attitude catches up to folks. It turns into bitterness in them, NOT the gift giver. The Giver tends to keep on giving, but the ungrateful person becomes unable to appreciate what is been given.

That turns a heart cold.

The gift of God’s grace is no different.

The occasion of grace is twofold:

1) The mere fact that God CHOSE to create us in HIS image
2) Jesus came to ensure our welcome into the family of God

We didn’t do anything for this gift…the occasion is because GOD WANTED TO.

Isn’t that reason enough to be thankful?

Yet it has become too easy to take His grace for granted.

Saying you are thankful and showing your thankfulness are NOT the same thing.

For my son, his Open House thank you note will be sufficient…but that heartfelt hug he gives in gratitude and love will secure the meaning in his words.

With God, our words of thankfulness in prayer are heard…but HE sees our heart to know how much those words really mean.

God sees beyond the thank you note.

In the book of Isaiah, God gives a warning to His prophet. In Chapter 1 verse 15, Isaiah writes:

Even though you offer many prayers, I will not be listening.

AMP

Why would God say that?? His Word tells us:

Your hands are full of blood.

AMP

God goes on to say through Isaiah these words of instruction:

Wash your hands.

Get your evil deeds out of my sight.

Stop doing evil.

Learn to do good.

Seek justice.

Rebuke the ruthless.

Defend the fatherless.

Plead for the widow.

AMP vs 16-17

God sees the heart of His people who pray. He knows sincerity when He hears it.

And our gratitude for His grace will be evident in how we live our lives.