I Samuel 3:19
“Thus Samuel grew and the LORD was with him and let none of his words fail.”
Samuel was a special person whom the Lord used mightily. However, the Lord wants to do this to all of His children on a smaller scale. Psalm 23 spells it out verse by verse. “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.” God is looking over us in a protective way and provides for us. “He makes me lie down in green pastures.” He gives us needed rest in bountiful places.
“He leads me by the still waters.” He quenches our thirst in a manner that doesn’t scare us. Rushing waters would alarm a sheep. “He restoreth my soul and guides my path in righteousness for His names sake.” We will grow weary, yet He won’t allow us to be burned out. He’ll guide us in safe ways. He does so out of love for us, but also as a great advertisement for Himself. He wants to attract others to bless them.
“Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will not fear, Though art with me.” We will have dark days. However, we need not fear. “He keeps them in perfect peace whose minds are stayed on Him”, Isaiah 26:3. “Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me.” The rod drives off predators, but could also refer to the positive fatherly discipline He provides. The staff represents guidance. A gentle tap guides us left or right. Sometimes we are stubborn and He uses the hook to stop us; usually to keep us from danger.
Today’s passage says that “Samuel grew”. This is emphasizing more than normal growth. God was with him. He was special and everyone saw it. Psalm 23:5 shows that He wants to bless us all according to our gifting; “He prepares a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.” Some have a small stage, while others are much more public. If we are following and yielding to Him, He will prosper us. It usually isn’t in the way we think it will happen. In the end, we are much more grateful for His ways.
The last verse in Psalm 23 speaks of the continued blessing God pours out on us. “Surely goodness and loving kindness will follow me all the days of my life. And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” It’s as if we are looking at the future with a zoomed out lens. We see His blessing continued as we eventually enter Heaven. We’ll be there forever.
Lord, thank You for Your blessing. While all isn’t roses, You work it out for the best. Help us to follow You and Your ways.