The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, and he refreshes my soul.
Storms and adversity are a part of life. Even the best of the best have struggles that they have to overcome. Michael Jordan was cut from the varsity as a sophomore, Steph Curry was only recruited by a few schools before signing with Davidson, and Tom Brady wasn’t drafted until the 6th round.
We remember Michael Jordan for going 6-0 in the finals, but we don’t remember the struggles he had to go through before getting to his first finals, and we don’t remember the struggles he had with the Wizards.
Steph Curry has changed the game of basketball, but he has also had to go through adversity before and between his NBA championships.
Struggles come and go, and how we handle those struggles will ultimately define us.
King David is a good example of how we can approach and go through adversity with the help of God and still thrive in our lives and roles.
Last week, I wrote about how David slayed the giant Goliath with his stone and sling. After defeating Goliath, David became a favorite of Saul, the first king of Israel, and all the people. He then helped Israel as a warrior in battles against the Philistines and the people loved him for it. Because of his rise in popularity, Saul became jealous and plotted to kill him.
David ran and hid from Saul for years, then after Saul and his son Jonathan were killed in battle, David was anointed king by the tribe of Judah and eventually all the tribes of Israel.
David became arguably the most important king in the history of Israel. He united all the tribes, and his son Solomon expanded the empire, but he had his struggles.
Toward the end of his life, Saul wrote a beautiful chapter in Psalm 23:
The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, and he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even 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. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
David grew up a shepherd, so he knew their role very well. David knows that if we will have everything we need if God is our shepherd we walk with God, we won’t need to fear anything. He will be with us and comfort us. His goodness and love will follow us all the days of our lives.
God has our back, and we have His support. With Him, we can do all things.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
1 - What is something difficult that you have overcome? What has that taught you about your ability to do hard things?
2 - What has that taught you about God's love, grace, and support?
3 - What is something you are struggling with right now?
4 - What do you need to do and what do you need from God?
Our Father, life can be tough. I thank you for being with me and walking with me through the hard stuff. As I walk through adversity, I pray that you give me peace. I also pray that you give me joy. I pray that through the good and the bad, I can enjoy everyday life. I pray that you give me the tools and the will to do what I need to do to find success.
In Jesus's name, I pray, amen.
For a Google Docs version of this devo, click here: Week 16 - God is With Us
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