The Big Picture
by Alan Smith 10 February 2022
Psalm 23 (The Living Bible)
Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I need!
He lets me rest in the meadow grass and leads me beside the quiet streams. He gives me new strength. He helps me do what honours him the most.
Even when walking through the dark valley of death I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me, guarding, guiding all the way.
You provide delicious food for me in the presence of my enemies. You have welcomed me as your guest; blessings overflow!
Your goodness and unfailing kindness shall be with me all of my life, and afterwards I will live with you forever in your home.
Romans 8 :28 (NIV)
We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.
Moving house is reckoned to be one of the most stressful happenings in life. During our married life Clarice and I have moved home nine times, jobs seven times and churches six times. This makes me question the above verse from Romans.
If we expect an easy life as followers of Christ, we are in for a shock! Jesus said it would be tough. There is distress as well as joy, fear as well as faith, doubt as well as hope. But whatever our circumstances, we can know the assured presence of God. He is faithful and constant in the hurly-burly of life.
In Psalm 23 David is content to trust God in every part of life - in green pastures and dark valleys - knowing that God’s goodness and love will never fail.
We live each day with its ups and downs and see only a tiny part of God’s big picture. We don’t know what will happen tomorrow, but for today we can live with and for God, knowing that he works for our ultimate good. One day we will see the completed picture and realise how it all fitted together.
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Prayer
Thank you Good Shepherd, for your presence each day. Help us to trust you and to be assured of your love and care in all circumstances.
Amen