I have been working through the YouVersion devotional plan by Tony Evans called “30 days to pray through God’s names” and this verse was the key verse for the day.
“For such is God,
Our God forever and ever;
He will lead us until death.”
~~Psalm 48:10~~
The Spirit directed me to read the entire paragraph that the key verse was a part of. It began with verse 9 – “We have thought over Your goodness, God.” That made me pause to ponder – Have I done that today? Do I ever take time to do that? Honestly, I have no problem thinking over what is going wrong in my life, but where do thoughts like that land me>. Not in a good place, that’s for sure. But this one phrase – “We have thought over Your goodness, God” What a tremendous focus for today (and really for every day). Rehearsing the goodness of God – what I am seeing? – what I have seen? — and because God is the same yesterday, today and forever — what will I see in the future? How’s that for a refocusing of our minds, huh? Thank you, Father!
Now going back to the key verse. The verb “will guide” <nahag> really impacted me. It means to drive forth (a person, an animal, a chariot), i.e. to lead. As I pondered “to drive forth or lead an animal”, Psalm 23:4b came to mind. “Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me“. The Shepherd uses His rod to fight off wild animals who want to make an easy meal out of His sheep (like the “roaring lion seeking whom he may devour” mentioned in 1 Peter 5:8). He also uses His staff to direct the sheep, as well as to keep sheep out of danger and close to Himself, because we sheep are wanderers who can easily get into trouble.
When I think about the times that I have had close calls, whether a near accident in the car, or times my tractor almost went down a steep hill because the grass was too wet, or even near mishaps just working around the house, God’s staff has been keeping me out of danger. And then I consider the times that I had been going down an emotional slippery slope because I’d been thinking of all the bad things happening instead of choosing to see the good things happening in and around me. It’s been God’s staff that has caught me and brought me safely to the right perspective. There have been many times that God has been good to me.
“I have thought over Your goodness, God”.
APPLY IT. Take time today to think over the goodness of God today. Ask the Spirit to remind you of times when God has led you, both to Himself and away from danger or trouble. Remember that “For such is God, our God, forever and ever. He will lead us until death.” He’s so worthy of all our praise, honor, and glory. What came to my mind today is a chorus I remember singing in my Grammy’s church when I was a little girl. They ended every church service with this before we were dismissed. May this resonate in our hearts and minds as we go through our day.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise Him all creatures here below
Praise Him above all heavenly hosts
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.