Jehovah Rohi "The LORD is our SHEPHERD"
What is the function of a shepherd? To guide or direct in a particular direction. Sheep are not intelligent animals, so they are entirely dependent on the shepherd for direction. Sheep are characteristically fearful, dumb, vulnerable, easily influenced by a leader, and poorly discerning. Sound familiar? "All ye like sheep have gone astray" (Isaiah 53:6). No wonder Jesus refers to Himself as our Shepherd. If He is indeed our Shepherd, we must trust His direction. The problem comes when His direction is not crystal clear. What if you have no idea where He wants you to go? I'm facing such a situation (by proxy) where God's LACK of clear direction is baffling. Our petitions have consistently been met with a deafening silence. It is as if Heaven has shut its doors and put up a 'come back later' sign. But that can't be right. A good shepherd never leaves their flock. They are always watching over them even when they are not guiding them. I feel as if we are aimlessly grazing through pasture, wondering where God is and what He is saying...failing to realize that He is standing among us, watching over us. Don't forget He is also Jehovah Shammah (The Lord is There). "Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me". It's interesting, David begins the Psalm by referring to God as his Shepherd (23:1-3), leading him "beside still waters" and "in the path of righteousness". Verse 4 however marks a turning point. What is the valley of the shadow of death? Death is separation from God. We know that's not possible for a believer. But David qualifies this as "the shadow" of death. What is a shadow but a projection/silhouette of an actual object? Thus the shadow of death could represent David's perception of his separation from the Shepherd. But what does he say? "I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me". David reveals that though the sensation of God's presence is absent, still he is reminded of the Truth - Jehovah Shammah is ever-present, thus he will not fear. Are you fearful? What is the attitude of your heart? "For I am the Lord your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you" (Isaiah 41:13). Courage comes first through the realization of God's presence. This realization must be more than an intellectual assent. He is Jehovah Shammah. Even when you do not see it or feel it, it is so. Because God is Spirit, He must be worshipped in spirit and truth. The Spirit, you were granted at the point of salvation. The Truth you have laying in front of you. God is Jehovah Shammah. This is the Truth. Despite feelings or circumstance, THAT is reality. You are NOT alone. What you are feeling is a lie. Jehovah Shammah will never leave or forsake you. Open your eyes. Bask in His presence. Rejoice in the One who watches over you. When He moves, you will know it...and you will follow. Until then, graze on in prayer and worship :) Many blessings in CHRIST, Junève
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Today's Verse
“Behold you are beautiful my love, behold, you are beautiful; your eyes are doves” Song of Solomon 1:15 ESV Quotations"A word spoken by you when your conscience is clear and your heart full of God's Spirit is worth ten thousand words spoken in unbelief and sin." Archives
January 2023
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