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Psalm 23: The Good Shepherd (6- Suffering With Purpose)
Wrestling with the toughest questions of faith takes courage. Why does a loving, all-powerful God allow suffering? More puzzling still—why do faithful believers suffer?
The answer lies hidden in plain sight within Psalm 23. When David writes "Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me," he reveals profound truths about suffering that transform our understanding of pain's purpose.
First, suffering is inevitable. Notice David doesn't say "if" but "when" we walk through valleys. Jesus himself warned followers they would face opposition and commanded them to "take up your cross." The narrow path isn't promised to be easy—often, opposition indicates you're on the right path, not the wrong one.
Second, suffering is temporary. We walk "through" the valley, not to it or in it permanently. While no specific timeline exists for our individual struggles, the journey never ends in the valley. Satan intends suffering to destroy us; God uses it to sanctify us.
Most importantly, we never suffer alone. The shepherd walks beside us, ready with rod and staff. David wrote this psalm not during peaceful days but amid rebellion and crisis. His response—not bitterness, but worship—came from experiencing God's faithfulness through countless trials.
When facing valleys, approach suffering from your position as God's beloved child, not your limited perspective. We cannot see the whole picture, but we can trust the One who does.
Next time suffering approaches, instead of asking "Why is this happening?" try asking "Lord, what am I not seeing here?" The beauty of suffering becomes apparent when viewed through the lens of relationship with a shepherd who transforms temporary pain into eternal purpose.
Looking to develop a deeper relationship with the Good Shepherd? Join us next Sunday as we continue exploring how God walks with us through life's most challenging seasons.
Read the Bible with us by texting: "rlcBible" to 94000.
You can also find out more about Real Life Church at www.experiencerlc.com
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By Real Life ChurchWrestling with the toughest questions of faith takes courage. Why does a loving, all-powerful God allow suffering? More puzzling still—why do faithful believers suffer?
The answer lies hidden in plain sight within Psalm 23. When David writes "Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me," he reveals profound truths about suffering that transform our understanding of pain's purpose.
First, suffering is inevitable. Notice David doesn't say "if" but "when" we walk through valleys. Jesus himself warned followers they would face opposition and commanded them to "take up your cross." The narrow path isn't promised to be easy—often, opposition indicates you're on the right path, not the wrong one.
Second, suffering is temporary. We walk "through" the valley, not to it or in it permanently. While no specific timeline exists for our individual struggles, the journey never ends in the valley. Satan intends suffering to destroy us; God uses it to sanctify us.
Most importantly, we never suffer alone. The shepherd walks beside us, ready with rod and staff. David wrote this psalm not during peaceful days but amid rebellion and crisis. His response—not bitterness, but worship—came from experiencing God's faithfulness through countless trials.
When facing valleys, approach suffering from your position as God's beloved child, not your limited perspective. We cannot see the whole picture, but we can trust the One who does.
Next time suffering approaches, instead of asking "Why is this happening?" try asking "Lord, what am I not seeing here?" The beauty of suffering becomes apparent when viewed through the lens of relationship with a shepherd who transforms temporary pain into eternal purpose.
Looking to develop a deeper relationship with the Good Shepherd? Join us next Sunday as we continue exploring how God walks with us through life's most challenging seasons.
Read the Bible with us by texting: "rlcBible" to 94000.
You can also find out more about Real Life Church at www.experiencerlc.com