Probably one of the most recognizable portions of scripture is the 23rd Psalm. Even our secular culture, where religion is a racist term, the words "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want" are still well known. And certainly in Christian parlance, this Psalm is still well beloved, memorized and often recited. There is something comforting about it, "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil". It encourages us and reminds us to be strong and keep hoping that things will get better.
The line that stands out to me the most comes in verse five, "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies". It scares and comforts me at the same time like few other verses do. Most of us would rather the verse read, "You prepare a table before me and remove all my enemies." The joy of a feast is something I don't usually associate with trouble. But here our Lord seems to say to us, "It is not by rescuing you from trouble, but in the midst of trouble, that I will be your joy."
It is through trials and troubles that our Lord sanctifies us, not the absence of them. The difference between the Christian and the world, is that the Christian does not despair as he walks through the valley of the shadow of death (1 Thess 4:13). Though the loss is real, we are confidant that all our trouble and pain have been delivered to us in exact portion by the hand of our loving Father, and therefore we do not lose hope.
Are you struggling today? Do you feel as though the waters of trouble will soon rush over your head? If you are in Christ, take heart, the feet of your soul are resting on the Rock Jesus. It is through the Via Dolorosa that your rescue comes.
Father, though the way is hard and filled with trouble, yet I will rejoice in the you; I will glory in the God of my salvation.
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