DAVID'S EMAIL BIBLE STUDY:
Death Valley
A. BACKGROUND
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Any study of the Psalms will arrive at the 23
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Psalm, the most famous scripture in the Bible. We did the first ½ last week, that describes God as “my shepherd”, and then outlines the ways that God is shepherd-like. God provides for our full range of needs. There’s a saying, “Man proposes. God disposes”, meaning that God ultimately determines the outcome of our plans. Sadly, when it comes to “God provides for our full range of needs”, it can seem that “God proposes. Man disposes.” God offers us a world in which we can proclaim “I shall not want”, and a world full of “green pastures” and “still waters”. It is humanity acting at our worst, not God, that creates unmet wants, bare pastures and dried up waters. God intention is for us to have what we need. Example: I read that our #1 medicine against childhood leukemia is in short supply. Life saving medicine is being rationed and denied. I believe God gave our scientists the wisdom to create the medicine. I believe God wants childhood leukemia ended. But human forces, market forces, business decision, poor planning undermine God’s plan
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C. SUMMARY.
Today’s verses assure us that God guides us through this life, with all of it’s ups and downs, to the next life of God’s complete “shalom” (total well-being). To do that God promises to show us the right paths and steps to take, to accompany us in the darkest days of our lives, to strengthen and encourage us in the face of our great challenges, to bless along the way, and to reward and welcome us when this life is done. This Jewish hymn, Psalm 23, and the Christian hymn “Blessed Assurance” offers the same message of confidence.
D. KEY POINTS
1.
DEATH VALLEY was an old TV western. Set in a stretch of California dessert reputed to be the hottest site in America, it was a “death valley” for those early settlers. Those who named it perhaps through of verse 4, “Yea though I walk the valley of the shadow of Death”. Other translations call it the “Dark Valley”, as the “Valley of Deepest Darkness”. Dark valleys come to us lots of ways. Death and dying are prominent. Each death produces a dark shadow not only for the person dying but for all who treasure that person. But such valleys of despair are not limited to dying. In the course of living most of us experience dark times, down times. Depression. Disappointment. Discouragement. Failure. Loss. At work, with family, in relationships, health, retirement, sickness, divorce. There are lots of dark valleys including, but not limited to, dying. God’s promise is that “thou (God) art with me”. In partnership with friends and loved ones we can “fear no evil” through whatever valley we must journey.
2.
CHOICES and DECISIONS. Every day is full of them. What to eat, where to go, who to love, who to believe, what to do or be, when to start or stop. Some choices are hugely consequential, life altering. Some are minor, or just matters of taste or opinion. Especially for big decisions we should want, but definitely need, some help. Guidance. Perspective. Verse 3 promises that God will “lead us in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake”. It doesn’t say God shoves us down the right path or pulls us by the ear. Free will allows everyone to decide anything for themselves. The wise person, the Godly person, wants and seeks God’s advice, and is open to God’s instruction and help.
3.
FOREVER. That’s a long time! God’s ultimate promise is that, after all is said and done, we “shall dwell in the House of the Lord forever” (verse 6). In ancient Judaism the Jerusalem Temple was THE official residence of God on earth. The Holy of Holies, the Ark of the Covenant, the very presence of God was there. Beyond our earthly existence this Psalm promises eternity among the joys and delights of God’s presence. Elsewhere the Bible itemizes those joys, best summarized by “no more tears”, healing, reunion, perfected love, total forgiveness. Forever. No more ups and downs, good days and bad, the happenstance and vagaries of daily life. Boring? No! I’ve never known anyone to complain about a long streak of good health, good weather, enduring friendships, kept promises. Eternity is our good fortune extended forever.
