2 Samuel 8:6
“Then he placed garrisons in Aram of Damascus, and the Arameans became subject to David and brought him tribute. So the LORD made David victorious wherever he went.”
This is what God does for His children. Victory doesn't mean getting all that we want or for all to go our way. That could mean our demise. Sometimes blessing means not getting all we want.
God promises provision and blessing. Psalm 23 spells it out: we shall not want, we lie down in green pastures, leads us by still waters, He restores our souls, He guides our path in righteousness, goodness and mercy follow us, He's with us, His rod and staff comforts us, He prepares a table for us in the presence of our enemies, our cups overflow and we will dwell in His house forever.
Let's go over these points. We shall not want. He provides what we need and some cool things. As we trust Him He removes covetousness from us, but provides us with contentment.
We have enough sustenance and rest as described by being led by still waters and having green pastures to dwell in. We will have enough to drink and it will be safe to eat and drink. The green pastures provides the nourishing food.
He restores our souls. We will have tough times. These work for our maturity and HIs glory. We will need times of being refreshed. He will provide those as well.
He guides us in paths of righteousness. This refers to right relationships. He teaches us principles to live at peace with all. Not all want to be at peace, but at least we've done our part. He also spares us from many temptations and evil. We will still have them, but He helps.
He prepares a table for us in the presence of our enemy. As we follow the beatitudes, we learn to be meek, we recognize we are poor in spirit and ask Him for help, we hunger and thirst for righteousness, we learn to be merciful, we learn to be pure in heart and to be peacemakers and at times we mourn. These are not terms of conquest and dominance. We do our best, but we are loving at the same time. At times we die to ourselves and allow others to go ahead. God honors this behavior. He allows others to see it. We don't have to brag or boast. God does it.
"Goodness and mercy will follow us all the days of our lives". It's hard to not be overwhelmed with joy at this. We are so underserving. Yet, we serve a great God who blesses us and we follow Him and His ways. He honors His Word. As we read and obey, He blesses. His way is a highway of blessing. As we travel it, we are with other believers and are blessed in it.
His rod and staff comfort us. These are instruments of guidance and correction. A good parent does that. We make mistakes and disobey. As we confess He restores and heals. The shepherd's staff has the hook to keep us away from things. We may feel sad to miss out on an opportunity, but it's for our good. Thank You God for keeping us from evil.
Psalm 23 also says we will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. That certainly means heaven, but also now. He is living in us. We are the temple of the Holy Spirit. He is with us presently and always will be.
This blessing isn't just for ourselves. Psalm 23 also says He does it for His names sake. A blessed, good life is God's best advertisement. It brings Him glory, but also attracts others to Him. He saves them and blesses their lives and families.
Lord, thank You for a full heart, a blessed life, blessed children and an opportunity to reach others for You. May You be glorified.