This is my favorite passage in the Bible. In fact, I recite it multiple times throughout the day. It calms me down when I begin to think thoughts that generate feelings of anxiousness. Then I am reminded of the power and love of the One who guides me. Yet, I know how easy it is for many to forget during their trials and tribulations, that they are children of the Most High God.

THE SHEPHERD GUIDES HIS FLOCK

We can take comfort in the knowledge of the omnipresence and omniscience of our faithful and loving Shepherd. He will guide us when we trust in Him to lead the way. We often get into trouble when we let doubts creep in, when we focus on the problem rather than focusing on God, and when we impatiently try to solve the problem on our own. How many times have you IMPATIENTLY made a move only to regret it later? Trusting in God requires courage to say “NO” I will not make a move until God directs me. This is often when our faith gets tested. You may be wondering, “Will God answer me, or has he heard my cry?” The Shepherd knows the way and will safely guide us in the path we should go. Be patient and trust in His will and timing.

THE SHEPHERD PROTECTS AND PROVIDES FOR HIS FLOCK

Be confident in God’s power and providence to protect us and provide for us. He repeatedly commands us not to fear, He will not fail or forsake us. He will go before us and make the crooked path straight. He provides us with everything we need to live abundantly. However, we quickly forget His promises amid our troubles. Why do we lose our faith in times of trials and tribulations? We lose our faith because:

1. We sometimes truly forget the Sovereignty of God
2. We are struggling with sin and feel guilty and ashamed to turn to God
3. We forget that God is ever faithful and loving
4. Pride rears its ugly head, and we believe and think we can do this without God

OUR MALFUNCTIONING GPS IMPACTS OUR TOTAL HEALTH

Remember I have said that we can have the right M.A.P., but if we have a faulty or malfunctioning GPS we can still get into trouble. The “P” in the malfunctioning G.P.S. is PRIDE. How often has pride led you astray or caused you to take action that created more problems in the long run? This reminds us of the importance of having a healthy morning routine that keeps us grounded in love and faith. If you start your day using the P.R.E.E.N.S. acronym, it is a lot easier to stay the course and patiently wait on God’s timing. Put on the full armor of God if that is better for you but find a routine that you can rely on daily to maintain your clarity about your P.I.C. Pride is often the culprit behind our impatience; therefore, when you are feeling impatient, take a mindful pause, is pride rearing its ugly head again.

NO ONE ENJOYS TRIALS OR TRIBULATIONS

I cannot say that I enjoy trials or tribulations, but I can say that as I continue to grow spiritually, I am more able to turn to God and take it to Him in prayer. It is much easier for me to say that “if God is allowing me to go through this, He must have a reason.” Take confidence in knowing that God gives us the strength to endure and persevere. Although at times it may feel or seem unbearable and impossible, remember that with God, nothing is impossible, and The Holy Spirit is ALWAYS with us. The Lord is our Shepherd, we shall NOT want or fear.

MAIN IMAGE COURTESY OF KAILASH KUMAR