Yesterday I had planned to blog some revelations that I had concerning verse one of Psalm twenty three. Instead I had an experience thrust upon me that caused me to live the very lesson that I had intended to write to you about. Shortly after getting up, my wife had a seizure. Suddenly and without warning all the plans and purposes of the day went out the window as this priority took precedence. I have always tended to be very calm in emergency situations and yesterday proved to be no different. Looking back at it today, it was almost a surreal situation. It was as if I shifted into another gear, or entered into a totally different place. I just reacted as I quickly found myself on the floor taking care of the immediate need, and then entering into prayer. The incident when Jesus prayed for the little boy who had fallen down before him in a similar situation came vividly to mind. What do I do? I do as the Master did. It wasn’t a prayer of panic but a bold and confident prayer rebuking the attack of the devourer and claiming the promise of God for healing and a quick recovery.
When my wife relaxed, I grabbed the phone made the 911 call, clearly explained the details of the situation and then calmly answered the battery of questions that the operator asked. When the Firefighters and ambulance Paramedics arrived I repeated the process.
It was as I was standing back watching the five men huddled around my wife, tending to her needs, that the reality of David’s proclamation that “You, Lord, are my shepherd.” (Psalm 23:1 CEV) came to my attention. At that moment in time I felt the peace of His presence standing next to me. I understood that I wasn’t alone! He was there to comfort, guide and support me through the entire ordeal. Just as a shepherd is responsible for the protection of his sheep, Jesus was there for us leading us “down where the waters are gentle and quiet… and back then where the alfalfa is rich.”*
The rest of the long day followed just like that. The Master was there to accompany me through every event. The relatively short stay at the emergency room (only 3 hours…), coming back home, my son and his wife’s timely arrival to our home, getting my wife up to bed for a long, needed rest, the doctor’s appointment with our personal physician later that evening, and finally getting to go to bed! He was there uplifting and encouraging me the whole time!
And the best news? “God doesn’t play favorites” (Acts 10:34 Gods Word ©) What He did yesterday for me, He’ll do for you. He is YOUR Shepherd. He is always present, willing, and ready to care for whatever the need you may have. I encourage you, once again, to take the 90 Day Challenge that I wrote about in the 5/18/11 post. Take the opportunity to get to know the Master in a deeper, more intimate relationship. It will bring a confidence and peace into your life that you never thought could possibly exist. Take a moment right now. Close your eyes, imagine Him standing right next to you and say to Him, “You, Lord are my shepherd. I will never be in need.” (Psalm 23:1 CEV)
The clincher to yesterday’s experience occurred a few minutes after I read some scripture aloud to my wife, turned out the light, laid my head on my pillow and closed my eyes. In my sort of dreamy state I became instantly awake as I thought I heard the sound of someone choking. I listened for a moment, slowly turned my head and asked my wife if she was okay. After her reassuring voice glided through the night saying “yes I am fine,” I suddenly burst into laughter as I realized that the noise was the sound of our dog snoring under the bed! As I quieted back down, I clearly heard the small still voice inside saying to me, “Jim, I am your good shepherd and I am watching carefully over you.” At that moment, the peace of His presence was overwhelming.
Take some time this weekend to dwell on that thought and allow the peace of His presence to overwhelm every moment of your day. Stay tuned and keep asking yourself… “What am I expecting today?”
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