Is health and wealth the ultimate sign of God’s favor? Do we somehow lack faith if we suffer in our bodies and are hated for our witness and proclamation of our Lord Jesus? A brief survey of scripture quickly reveals the answers to both of these questions: which is a NO. Contrary to what prosperity preachers of our culture promote, the Bible is clear that prosperity and adversity are BOTH given by God (Ecc 7:14). Further, God through his providential works in creation allows seasons of storms and sunshine on the wicked and righteous alike (Mt 5:45). Jesus even warns and encourages his disciples, “…In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (Jn 16:33).
While the righteous are not granted immunity to difficulties, we have a great God who leads us like a “Good Shepherd” through treacherous valleys of life, or as David says with great confidence, “Even though I walk through the valley of shadow of death, I will fear now evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me” (v4). What is it about God the preserves and keeps us when our health and wealth fail us? What is it about God that we are to trust in when our adversaries are to strong (and numerous) for us to fight or overcome? These last few verses of this Psalm provides David’s reflections on these questions.
God is our light the pushes back the darkness. David identifies two significant attributes about God that are actively at work when we face the fears of life, “…for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” The rod and staff were standard issue equipment used by shepherds fight off fight off wild animals and lead sheep through treacherous terrain. Likewise, Jesus is our Good Shepherd, who by his Light he leads us through the dark places that we are not overcome by it. When our thought life is laid siege by doubts, his truth serves a “Rod” to fight off the lies of the devil. God’s Word is our guide through all these things, thus, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Ps 119:105). Jesus also says, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (Jn 8:12). God’s presence manifested in these ways are a comfort to his people. Only by being near and following him do we benefit from his refuge and protection.
God’s provision is witnessed by our enemies. David now shifts the imagery (Shepherd) in his Psalm. He now pictures God as our Glorious King who throws a great feast and lavishes hospitality (i.e., “…you anoint my head with oil..”) on his invited guest. David says of God, “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies” (v5). What is the encouragement that David offers with this statement? It simply this: Despite the impending dangers we face within and from without, the Lord lays out table of provision for our care for all to see. In doing so, it reminds our adversaries the strength of our God who is greater than the problems (and enemies) we face. An excellent example is when God provided a way of escape by dividing the Red Sea waters up like a wall on their left and right of the children of Israel as they crossed on dry land. Pharaoh and his army witnessed this great display of the True and Living God (Ex 14). What was table of salvation for his chosen people, ended up being tomb of destruction for God’s enemies.
God’s love follows us in all places in life. God’s goodness remain with his people no matter the circumstances we find ourselves in (v6). It is important to note that God faithfulness to his people is not reward for our performance in righteousness, but rather the results of God’s character alone and promise to his people. It is out of mercy and love that God preserves and protects. It is wonderful benefit of our fellowship and election by God, thus David rejoices in the promise, “…I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Amen.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com