Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of my enemies: thou anointest my head with oil, my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Amen. Psalms 23:4-6
Last year, I committed to a daily confession of the 23rd Psalm. What a blessing it is to repeat those words and to be reminded that the Lord is my shepherd and He not only watches over me but protects me, keeps me, and He comforts me. However, sometimes, we are taken aback by situations when we are attacked by the enemy unexpectantly and it throws us off (yes, even for us seasoned folks). Today, these verses were magnified in my spirit after having a conversation with the Lord this morning. Sometimes, illumination is necessary in order to be reminded of whose we are, especially when the enemy rears his ugly head and although we will walk through the valley at times, we don't have to fear evil because He is always with us to calm and comfort us even in the midst of adversity.
As of late, I have been in excitement mode for awhile because He has poured in so much into a short amount of time; busy trying to process and decipher, deprogram and reprogram myself in my thinking, in my speaking and in my actions. My spirit has been rejoicing over the word and my mind feels like it's busting loose at the seams from information overload. Yet, I thrive well in this mode. Naturally, the rest of me wants to run, jump, shout and scream, or simply, just dance awhile! Did I get some exciting news in regards to winning a trip, a new car, etc. No, something better... I have been simply receiving rich words; a word that speaks to MY right now; a word that didn't change my physical locality or my current situation or circumstance (although I'm waiting for the manifestation of it), yet, it changed my sight, changed my attitude, and most importantly, it changed my pattern of thought. The enemy is never happy about us coming into the knowledge or the revelation of God's word that will bring about a change, not only in your life but in the lives of others.
We have to be aware that when the enemy thinks we are too happy or too excited, or we are trying to apply the knowledge we have learned, he will make it his mission to trip you up, discourage you and throw you off track. He will use anybody and anything to do just that. However, we must stay the course and not allow ourselves to get sucked into his trap. The word tells us that we are not ignorant to his devices, his schemes, or his tricks (2 Cor 2:11). Now, this doesn't mean he is going to stop trying because he is going to find other ways, other people, and other avenues to accomplish his mission. So, we have to recognize it for what it is. I thank God for the amazing, comforting power through His word, and specifically through this psalm. As I repeated these particular verses spoke loudly today: Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of my enemies: thou anointest my head with oil, my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Often, we grapple with the word and what it says, how it speaks, when it speaks or what it speaks to because of lack of insight or understanding. But this word is abundantly clear especially this phrase, "surely goodness and mercy will follow you" because He is with us always. What an assurance from God! Letting us know that no matter the valley, no matter what you face, no matter the opposition or the fiery darts that come to wound you, I've got you. And when God gives revelation regarding a thing, it is the time to hear it in the way that it has been illuminated. I'm just grateful that I serve a God who loves me and is always concerned about me and it's comforting to know that He's always got my back!
Until the morning, be blessed,
Cynde
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