I just came from a men’s Bible study group that meets every Thurs at 6:30 am. We studied Psalm 23. Our table of guys talked about the different stations of life represented in the 23rd Psalm. Contentment (“I shall not want”); Abundance (“Green pastures”); Peace (Quiet waters”); Restoration (“he restores my soul”); Sense of being on course (“paths of righteousness”); Loss (“Valley of the shadow of death”); Conflict and protection (“in the presence of my enemies” and “fear no evil”); Time of correction, prodding, direction (“Your rod and your staff”); Feasting and celebration (“You prepare a table before me” and “my cup overflows”); Healing (“You anoint my head with oil”); Graduating to the other side of life (“I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever”)
Which station are you in right now? Do you find yourself between two of these stations? Whatever station / season of life you find yourself in, the key is to remember these four words from Psalm 23: “You are with me.” Faith rises on the back of those four words. That confidence comes from knowing the One who has experienced each of these stations and has promised, “I will never leave you.”