I first began to experience God’s amazing grace while walking the lonely streets of New York City as a young man. With millions of people walking the same streets, you wouldn’t think I was alone. But inside, I felt very alone. How wonderful it is when God comes along side!
King David has been a great inspiration. He too experienced great pain of heart. His Psalms tell his story. They have helped me relate to how God is always present, looking to cultivate strong measures of faith. During the most painful and difficult times of my life, God was there providing grace, comfort and truth. He promises such to all who call upon His name.
RELEVANCE
David had a strong desire to know and understand the heart of God. He maintained relentless pursuit of God. In that pursuit he cultivated strong trusting faith. He tapped into the grace of God and experienced vibrant life in God through the art of devotion. He learned the value of actively engaging with God. The Psalms he wrote display his prayer journal for eternity!
David’s strong active faith came from a heart that craved God’s presence. “One thing I have desired of the LORD, that I will seek; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the delightfulness of the LORD, and to inquire in His temple” (Psalm 27:4). David loved God’s presence so much that he found it in the simple as well as hard places of life.
“The LORD is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”
(Psalm 23:1-4)
Allow God’s presence to comfort you. His Holy Spirit is as near as your heart.
REFLECT AND RELATE
Wherever you go, ask the LORD to reveal Himself as your Shepherd. Take note, as David did, of where He leads you. Keep a journal to record what He shows you along the path.
REFERENCES
Psalm 23:1-6