Following the Good Shepherd: Day 12 - Pastor Kerry Shook
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“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go”
Joshua 1:9 (NIV)
Life is full of mountains and valleys. This has been said before. Something else that has been said before but bears repeating is that: they are happening simultaneously in our lives. Great moments of pleasure and pain can be happening within the same season. Promotions run right alongside a loss of a loved one and great moments of fellowship happen right alongside depression. We can be on top of the mountain one day only to be in the deepest valley the next. Our hope in Christ can be shaken by the fears and desires of this world. Every day can be a mixed bag of both good and trouble. Our Good Shepherd has not abandoned us. We see this in Psalm 23 as King David writes, not just about God, but to God.
We can take a lesson when walking through our darkest valleys from King David. David is pouring out his heart to God. He is reminding himself through his writing and declaring what God is doing and will do. One of the most striking things in this Psalm happens when, in verse four, David begins talking to God and not just about Him. He shifts from the third person to the second person. It was, “The Lord is My Shepherd” and it is now, “You are my Shepherd”. When we find ourselves in tough times, it is a good reminder for us to cry out to God. He is listening and, more importantly, He is speaking to us.
Another thing we see King David do is to proclaim the truth about who God is. We need to saturate ourselves with the truth of God’s character during the hard moments of life. Even though we may be in the middle of the scariest and most devastating place we have ever been, we must listen to The Good Shepherd’s voice. His words are guiding us through the storm. It may seem difficult, but when we are most angry with God or when we feel most abandoned by God we must try and recall the truths we know. The core of characteristics of God.
Even the ominous ‘Valley Of Death’ is overcome by Jesus. Christ has been there and beaten it Himself, and can lead us through it. He is The Good Shepherd and we are His sheep. He commands us in Joshua to “Be strong and courageous”. Even if you don’t feel this way, there is a goodness to knowing that our strength and courage do not come from within. Our strength and courage is built on Christ. The Holy Spirit is the one who guides us and gives us what we need.
If you are in a valley, here are a few steps to help give you strength and courage (and if you aren’t in a valley this will help, for when you do inevitably find another valley). First, copying Kings David, write out to God your heart and hurt. Be open and honest. No need to pretty it up, God sees what’s there. Second, remind yourself of the attributes of God. Begin to meditate on His love, mercy, and graciousness to us. Remind yourself of familiar scripture or songs that call to God’s blessings. If this is difficult, you may need trusted people in your life to help remind you. Third, talk to God. Find a way to voice your heart to Him. 1 Peter 5:7 says it best “Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you”.