Verse of the Day 11/17

Through the Bible - Ezekiel 18-20, James 2

 

Good morning,

In today's economy there are plenty of reasons for people to fret, to worry about so many things, some of them are very important matters while others are trivial in the scheme of things.  But fretting takes our eyes off of God's path and leads us down all kinds of trails that can leave us more confused than before we started to fret.

 

For today's verse we'll go to a chapter in Psalms where David encourages us not to fret.  He is someone that had been in plenty of situations worthy of fretting.   But what he learned is something that should help us when we feel we are being chased by something or someone, whether real or imaginary.

Psalm 37:23-24 (Amplified Bible) The steps of a [good] man are directed and established by the Lord when He delights in his way [and He busies Himself with his every step]. 

 ²⁴Though he falls, he shall not be utterly cast down, for the Lord grasps his hand in support and upholds him.

Today I'd like to focus on the words in verse 24, 'cast down'.  Author Philip Keller in his book "A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23" tells of the cast down sheep.  It is a sheep that is on its back and cannot get up under its own strength.  The sheep will bleat for a time for help, but will usually simply lie there with legs flailing where they will die if they are not rescued.

 

Sometimes, especially in our most severe trials, we may feel like that sheep.  Other times we'll feel that way even if the situation is not as dire as it appears in our minds at the time.  In either case, we have a shepherd that will come along and lift us up should we fall.  

 

Knowing this should encourage us as we walk along God's path for us in the light of His Word, even if it is rocky and strewn with roots and leaves from nearby trees that could trip us up.

 

Savior, like a shepherd lead us, much we need Thy tender care;
In Thy pleasant pastures feed us, for our use Thy folds prepare.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus! Thou hast bought us, Thine we are.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus! Thou hast bought us, Thine we are.

 

We are Thine, Thou dost befriend us, be the guardian of our way;
Keep Thy flock, from sin defend us, seek us when we go astray.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus! Hear, O hear us when we pray.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus! Hear, O hear us when we pray

 

Blessings,
Mike

mikevw@bellsouth.net
mikesvotd.blogspot.com

Psalm 37

A Psalm of David.

 ¹ Do not fret because of evildoers,
         Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity.
 ² For they shall soon be cut down like the grass,
         And wither as the green herb.
         
 ³ Trust in the LORD, and do good;
         Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.
 ⁴ Delight yourself also in the LORD,
         And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
         
 ⁵ Commit your way to the LORD,
         Trust also in Him,
         And He shall bring it to pass.
 ⁶ He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light,
         And your justice as the noonday.
         
 ⁷ Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him;
         Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way,
         Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.
 ⁸ Cease from anger, and forsake wrath;
         Do not fret—it only causes harm. 
                  
 ²³ The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD,
         And He delights in his way.
 ²⁴ Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down;
         For the LORD upholds him with His hand.