Green Pastures or Darkest Valley, One Thing Remains

Recently, I was reading a very familiar psalm. I know it by heart. Many of you who grew up in a Christian home can recite Psalm 23 without a pause. But, that day, it was different. I didn't quickly brush through the well-known verses, which I was tempted to do. But I took the time to slowly read the six verses. Here are some things that stood out to me that day:

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. - God is our shepherd who takes care of our every need. It means just that - 'every' need. He knows what you need physically, emotionally, spiritually and any other 'ly' you can think of, so that you would 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. How pleasant and sweet those words sound! Who doesn't want to be in such beautiful places? Green pastures, quiet waters and refreshed - I want to be there! Yes, all the time. Notice the first part. 'He makes me lie down...' When He makes you, just lie down and be still. Store up all the energy you can. You might need it later in the journey.

Even though I walk through the darkest valley. This is nothing like the earlier part, where everything was peaceful and perfect! Darkness and valley aren't good places to be. Wouldn't it be good if they were eliminated from our path, altogether? Of course. But we all know that's not the way life is.

I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Oh wait! It's not so scary, after all! 'Not perfect' doesn't have to mean 'not peaceful'. We can be in the darkest place, and yet be comforted and courageous. But, how is it possible? The key is that the Lord Himself is with us. In the height or depth, He never leaves. In the green pastures, He is there, leading me and refreshing my soul. In the valley, He is there, comforting me.

Whether I will be in the green pastures or the dark valley, I don't know. I will probably be travelling through both. But, one thing I know - He is with me. What an assurance!

That’s Not Fair!

Even a child feels the need to be fair. They say things like:
“Tell him to share the toys with me.”
“You had your turn. Now, it’s my turn to play.”

That does not change when we grow up to be adults. We say:
“All the work is dumped on me. No one else seems to be working. It’s not fair!”
“For all the hard work I did, I deserve better than that.”
“I want an equal share of it.”

He felt that need. Just like you and me. He wanted to be treated fairly. He did what we would think is the best. He took his problem to Jesus. He asked Jesus to tell his brother to divide the inheritance with him (Luke 12:13). Now, that request sounds quite reasonable. And what was Jesus’ reply to this man? He replied, “Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?” This is no time to be fair. Only when we get to heaven, everything is going to be fair!

We are never promised that life would be fair. On the contrary! Jesus taught, “If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back.” (Luke 6:29,30) But, that’s not fair! And it wasn’t fair when Jesus was cruelly put to death on a cross.

So what do we do? Do good anyway! It’s easier said than done. But that’s what Jesus did, when He accepted death on the cross. That’s what He teaches us to do. “But I tell you, do not resist an evil person.” (Matthew 5:39) Humanly, that’s impossible to do. But, with God, all things are possible. May He help us to do good even when we are treated unfairly.