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It has come to my attention that not everyone who subscribes to Meet Me in the Meadow received my final posting on Psalm 23. I am not sure why this happened, but I have decided to repeat verse 6 in today’s posting for those who might have missed it. Thank you.
Psalm 23, Verse 6
Surely: No “I wonder?” No “I wish!” No “I hope so.” Without a doubt. Without a question. Without a concern or worry. Knowing whose I am and who He is. God of His word, God of His promise. God of His covenant. God of His oath. God who cannot and will not fail, falter, or forget.
Goodness: Not meanness. Not cruelty. Not unkindness. His goodness. The goodness of God— The goodness in His nature, the goodness in His character, the goodness in His being. Everything about Him good—every thought, every action, every attitude, every decision, every work, every word. Good in His will. Good in His gifts. Good to me. Good every moment. Good all the time. Extending goodness—not as little as He can give, but as much as He can give. Being the best, giving the best, wanting the best. Delighting to shower me with His graciousness—time after time, over and over, now and forevermore.
And mercy: Sweet mercy! Welcomed friend! Wonderful companion! New every morning. Fresh from His heart. Lifting condemnation. Releasing my past. Breaking my chains. Freeing my spirit. Renewing my hope. Securing my future. Mercy upon mercy. Mine in abundance. Kindly extended. Beautifully given. Graciously bestowed.
Shall follow me: Not ‘There’s a good possibility.” Not “a 50/50 chance.” Will follow! Never to retreat, abandon, or flee. Absolute certainty. Promised by the God who cannot lie. His benefits and blessings—Mine to receive. Mine to enjoy. Mine to celebrate. Keeping me from being defeated. Guarding me from being pulled back into my past. Protecting me from being overtaken by things I cannot control. His divine escorts on my pilgrim journey.
All the days of my life: Not once-in-awhile. Not hit-and-miss. Not off-and-on. Not just on good days. Not just on church days. All my days—Cloudy days. Stormy days. Busy days. Quiet days. Days filled with joy. Days filled with sorrow. Days when I feel up. Days when I feel down. Every day. Every moment. Every step. Every breath. Every heartbeat.
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD Forever: The forever place—not temporary, not momentary, not transitory. The Father’s house. My reserved place. My prepared place. Home! Never to be kicked out, evicted, or left homeless. The place my faith has thought upon. The place my hope is set upon. The place where I belong. The place I was made for. Jesus’ place. The place where I am welcomed. The place where I am received. Mine by inheritance. Mine by grace. Mine forever and ever. In the company of the redeemed. In the presence of the Lord. Seeing Him face to face. Knowing even as I am known. Completely fulfilling all my heart has ever longed for since the moment I took my first breath.
Have no fears or worries,
Simply be at rest—
Trusting in your Father,
He knows what is best.
His love rests upon you,
Angels are everywhere—
Your heart can be certain
You are in His care.
Mercy, grace, and kindness
His love freely brings—
Faithfully He’ll keep you
Covered by His wings.
Everything He’s promised
He will surely do—
God, Who sees the sparrow,
Watches over you.
“…Under His wings shalt thou trust: His truth shall be thy shield and buckler.” Psalm 91:4 KJV
Let me learn—
That the way down is the way up,
That to be low is to be high,
That the broken heart is the healed heart,
That the contrite spirit is the rejoicing spirit,
That the repenting soul is the victorious soul,
That to have nothing is to possess all,
That to bear the cross is to wear the crown,
That to give is to receive,
That the valley is the place of vision.
-Puritan Prayer
More is being planned for by God than had been prayed for by us.
-S.D. Gordon
If all my members are really at His disposal, why should I be put out if today’s appointment is some simple work for my hands or errands for my feet, instead of some seemingly more important doing of head or tongue?
-F.R. Havergal
Whatever He wills becomes great to us, however seemingly trifling…we have no right to measure its importance. On the other hand, whatever He would not have us do, however important we may think it, is as nought to us. How do you know what you may lose by neglecting this duty, which you think so trifling, or the blessing which its faithful performance may bring?
-Jean Nicolas Grou
His water quenches my thirst; I don’t need to dig other cisterns.
His bread fills my hunger; I don’t need to gather up crumbs.
His banqueting table is extravagant; I don’t need to eat at outside diners.
His presence is fullness of joy; I don’t need to seek ways to find fulfillment.
His peace passes understanding; I don’t need to get an artificial fix.
His will is perfect; I don’t need to acquire a better plan.
His wisdom is flawless; I don’t need to listen to the world’s point of view.
His grace is sufficient; I don’t need to obtain superficial help.
His redemption is complete; I don’t need to hunt for another savior.
His covenant is certain; I don’t need to read a different guarantee.
His provision meets my needs; I don’t need to be on a quest for more.
His kingdom is unshakable; I don’t need to find a more secure place to stand.
His smile is enough; I don’t need to seek the applause of others.
His life is glorious; I don’t need to look for another reason to live.
His return is sure; I don’t need to let my heart be troubled.
I am not sure when the word “ineffable” (incapable of being expressed or described in words) came into the English language, but it must have come as a result of someone trying to describe and explain the meaning of God’s grace. Grace is truly a word that goes beyond description. Grace is not God’s “a little bit more”; Grace is God’s “so much more.” How much more? More than you could ever ask for, more than you could ever think about, more than you could ever grasp.
Consider these Scriptures that speak to us about the “much more” of God’s ineffable grace toward us.
God feeds the birds because they are of value to Him. He made them and they live for His glory. Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap, which have neither storehouse nor barn; and God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds? Luke 12:24 NKJV
If God so clothes the grass in the field, which is alive today, and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, how much more will He clothe you, O you [people] of little faith? Luke 12:48 AMP
For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. Romans 5:10 NKJV
But the free gift is not like the offense. For if by the one man's offense many died, much more the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many. Romans 5:15 NKJV
For if by the one man's offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.) Romans 5:17 NKJV
When the prodigal son returned home, how did the father respond? With as little favor as he could, or with as much as he could?
Not: Waiting on the front porch. But: Running to meet him.
Not: A handshake. But: An embrace.
Not: Bring him some clean clothing; something nice to wear. But: Bring him the best robe.
Not: Hand him the garment. But: Put it on him.
Not: Here’s a list of things to do in order to get back in my graces. But: Here is the ring of my authority, power, and favor.
Not: Here’s a repair kit and some polish to fix-up your old sandals. But: Here are new shoes for your feet. (Shoes that allow you to tread over all the power of the enemy.)
Not: Let’s go get a hamburger. But: Let’s go kill and prepare the fatted calf. It’s time for a feast.
Not: Your return makes me smile. But: Let us revel, make merry, celebrate, and be overjoyed, for you were lost but now you are found.
F.B. Meyer tells us this about the “much more” of God’s ineffable grace…
God forgives, not meagerly but royally, gracefully, abundantly. His forgiveness is worthy of Himself, proportioned to the wealth of His glorious being, and according to the riches of His grace. He does more than forgive, He “remembers no more.” He does more than forget, He sets the joy-bells ringing, and cries, “Let us make merry.” He does more than this; He insets the scars of our sins with jewels; where sin abounded, His grace abounds much more; and all because of the Blood that has set free this wealth of mercy.
What a wonderful word grace is to us, what a wonderful gift it is in us, what a glorious provision it is for us. God’s divine favor, freely extended to you in abundance, through Jesus Christ. Let your faith receive His grace. Let your heart delight in His grace. Let your soul rejoice in His grace. Today, take a few moments and soak in the river of His grace that abounds toward you, the grace that brings you one blessing after another…
For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly. Psalm 84:11 KJV
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John 1:14 KJV
From the fullness of His grace we have all received one blessing after another. John 1:16 NIV
And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. Acts 20:32 KJV
Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 1:7 KJV
God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: 2 Corinthians 9:8 KJV
And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV
Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 2:1 KJV
That being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. Titus 3:7 KJV
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16 KJV
But He giveth more grace. Wherefore He saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. James 4:6 KJV
But grow in grace…2 Peter 3:18 KJV
Grace be with you… 2 John 1:3 KJV
Surely: No “I wonder?” No “I wish!” No “I hope so.” Without a doubt. Without a question. Without a concern or worry. Knowing whose I am and who He is. God of His word, God of His promise. God of His covenant. God of His oath. God who cannot and will not fail, falter, or forget.
Goodness: Not meanness. Not cruelty. Not unkindness. His goodness. The goodness of God—the goodness in His nature, the goodness in His character, the goodness in His being. Everything about Him good—every thought, every action, every attitude, every decision, every work, every word. Good in His will. Good in His gifts. Good to me. Good every moment. Good all the time. Extending goodness—not as little as He can give, but as much as He can give. Being the best, giving the best, wanting the best. Delighting to shower me with His graciousness—time after time, over and over, now and forevermore.
And mercy: Sweet mercy! Welcomed friend! Wonderful companion! New every morning. Fresh from His heart. Lifting condemnation. Releasing my past. Breaking my chains. Freeing my spirit. Renewing my hope. Securing my future. Mercy upon mercy. Mine in abundance. Kindly extended. Beautifully given. Graciously bestowed.
Shall follow me: Not “There’s a good possibility.” Not “a 50/50 chance.” Will follow! Never to retreat, abandon, or flee. Absolute certainty. Promised by the God who cannot lie. His benefits and blessings—Mine to receive. Mine to enjoy. Mine to celebrate. Keeping me from being defeated. Guarding me from being pulled back into my past. Protecting me from being overtaken by things I cannot control. His divine escorts on my pilgrim journey.
All the days of my life: Not once-in-awhile. Not hit-and-miss. Not off-and-on. Not just on good days. Not just on church days. All my days—Cloudy days. Stormy days. Busy days. Quiet days. Days filled with joy. Days filled with sorrow. Days when I feel up. Days when I feel down. Every day. Every moment. Every step. Every breath. Every heartbeat.
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD Forever: The forever place—not temporary, not momentary, not transitory. The Father’s house. My reserved place. My prepared place. Home! Never to be kicked out, evicted, or left homeless. The place my faith has thought upon. The place my hope is set upon. The place where I belong. The place I was made for. Jesus’ place. The place where I am welcomed. The place where I am received. Mine by inheritance. Mine by grace. Mine forever and ever. In the company of the redeemed. In the presence of the Lord. Seeing Him face to face. Knowing even as I am known. Completely fulfilling all my heart has ever longed for.
Thou: God of details. God who provides. God of Abraham. My God. Jehovah-Jireh. The One who sees, knows, cares.
Preparest: Every place prepared before I arrive; every provision met before I am even aware of what I need. Not haphazard. Not unplanned. God ordered. God ordained. God maintained. God sustained. All things set in dazzling array, in its proper place, for its proper purpose, in its proper time. The plans of His heart being revealed to me.
A table: God’s table. A daily table. A forever table. A table set by Him. His gathering place. His dining place. His banqueting place. Beautifully arranged. Abundantly filled. A place of feasting, of communion, of pleasures forevermore. A place where I can linger. A place to speak of His victories, to celebrate His joys, to learn of His ways, to share in the things that delight His heart and mine. A place where I can taste and see that the Lord is good.
Before me: My special place. Reserved. Complete with my own nametag. The perfect spot. Seated right next to Him. Receiving my portion directly from His hand. Leaning my head against His breast. Knowing I belong. Knowing I am right where I need to be, right where I want to be, right where I was made to be—breaking bread at the family table.
In the presence of mine enemies: Not in la-la-land. Not in a make-believe world where difficulties, temptations, and the forces of evil do not exist. Being in His light while surrounded by darkness; feasting upon His truth though lies and deception lurk in the shadows; receiving His affirming love while voices of accusation and condemnation cry out to get my attention. Knowing He is for me even though the enemy comes against me. Certain that no foe can keep me out, shut me out, or cut me off from what He has prepared at His table. Knowing He is my portion. Certain He is enough.
Thou: Abba Father. The One who calls me His own. God of every invitation to be where He is. The One who says, “Come follow Me” “Come be with Me” “Come know Me” “Come sup with Me.” The Host of all hosts, greeting me with welcome arms.
Anointest my head with oil: Anointed by my King and High Priest. Anointed with the oil of gladness. Anointed with the anointment of His fragrance. Equipped. Enabled. Empowered. Holy Oil— making my face to shine; causing my heart to sing; softening my hands to touch others. Refreshing my life, restoring my soul, renewing my spirit—protecting me from being sun-parched, keeping me from being weather beaten, shielding me from all that would crack, dry, deplete, blister. Fresh oil. Every flowing. Ever being poured out upon me.
My cup: Earthen cup. Heart-shaped. Cup of need. Cup of longing. Cup of thirsting after Him. Lifted up for filling. Lifted up to receive. Cup of trust, cup of faith. Cup of asking, cup of drinking. Cup of blessings, cup of everlasting joy.
Runneth over. God of abundance! Not drip-drops. Not trickles. Not small portions. Not rations. Not squeezing out a little moisture from His promises. God of the pouring forth. God of the rivers of living water. God of the waterfalls of grace. God of the artesian well. God of the showers of blessing. God of the exceeding, abundantly above. God of the overflow. God of the more than I could ever ask or think. Allowing me to drink of everything pure, everything good, everything right, everything true, everything satisfying, everything that flows from His heart to mine.
Yea: “Yes” to you Jesus. “Yes” to Your will, Your way, Your Plan, Your purpose. “Yes” to what seems possible and impossible. “Yes” to what You have prepared, to where your footsteps are going—through places unknown, to destinations unimagined, by pathways never taken before.
Though I walk: Not in panic, not in haste, not in perplexity. Walking, not running ahead. Walking, not dragging behind. Walking, not passive. Walking, not digging in my heels. Walking forwards, not backwards. Going at His pace. Planting my feet in His freshest footprints. Moving through. Not getting bogged down. Not getting stuck. Not standing in place and marking time. Pressing on.
Through the valley: Not always through the high places, not always through the mountain tops, not always through the grasslands, not always through the woodlands, not always through the bright and brilliant flowering fields and open skies of blue. Not the place where the journey ends, but where the journey takes on new depths and new meaning. The hidden place that presses me to His side, to His heartbeat, to His tender mercies.
Of the shadow of death: Tears. Sorrow. Trials and testing. The place where seeds of desires and expectations fall into the ground. The place where I let go, surrender all, declare from the depths of my being, “Not my will, but Thine be done.” The place where I embrace His cross, be made conformable to His death, where I partake of the fellowship of His sufferings. The place where resurrection life overtakes me, overshadows me, overwhelms me. The place where I feel His hand in mine—Firm. Sure. Mighty. Never letting go—taking me on to the place of abundance.
I will fear no evil: The enemy, a defeated foe. His works destroyed by the power of Christ. Jesus my victor. Conquering King. Captain of my soul. Holy Spirit—Spirit, not of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind. Heavenly Father—the One whom I have sought with all my heart; the One Who hears and answers my prayer; the One Who consistently, faithfully, triumphantly, delivers me from all my fears.
For thou art with me: There can be nothing sweeter, nearer, dearer, than this—”Thou”, Creator God, lover of my soul—with me, near me, by me, for me, in me. Fullness of joy! Pleasures forevermore! Not playing hide-and-seek with my soul, my heart, or my very being. Ever present help in time of need.
Thy rod and thy staff: The things you use to reach me, teach me, shape me, mold me, conform me, direct me, assure me, protect me. The rod of correction that never harms or is an instrument of abuse. The staff that pulls me close when I wander, that rescues me from the pit when I fall. Letting nothing slip by. Doing everything in love and for love’s sake.
They comfort me. Not frustrates. Not bullies. Not stresses. Not “beat up”. Not left in ruins. Not deserted. Not abandoned. Not devastated. Not destroyed. God of sweet consolation. God who wipes my tears. God who carries my burdens. God who knows me, cares for me, lifts me, holds me. Taking full responsibility for my life which I have yielded to Him.
He: The God of all grace and tender mercies. The God of living waters. The God of healing rain. Great Physician—whose healing balm mends my wounds, soothes my pains, comforts my troubled heart. Redeemer. Friend. The One who always is calling the wanderer to return to Him. God of the welcoming voice, the gentle way, the reassuring touch.
Restores: Not neglecting. Not ignoring. Not denying. Assuring me “He can” and “He will”. Never turning His back or giving up. Lifting me when I am down; carrying me when I have fallen; refreshing me when I am stale; renewing me when I am weary; reviving me when I have grown cold; turning my head when I have become distracted; rescuing me when I am in danger; pulling me back when I am drifting away. Trimming my wick. Pruning my branches. Molding and shaping my clay within His masterful hands to conform me to His image. Making all things new.
My soul: Who I am in reality. My personality in all its complexity. My mind—thoughts and plans, what I think upon, what I dwell upon. My emotions—feelings, moods, highs and lows. My will—choices, decisions, what I determine to do, where I determine to go. My appetites. My longings. His grace causing me to think His thoughts, feel what He feels, choose what He chooses. Bringing within me the times of refreshing that come from the presence of the Lord.
He: Not astrology. Not philosophy. My God, My Guide, My Guardian. He, from whom are all things, by whom are all things, through whom are all things. He, in whom I live, and move, and have my being. Son of Righteousness. The One who never leaves me or forsakes me. The ever-present help in time of need. The only true time-traveler.
Leads me: Not pointlessly. Not wrongfully. Not mischievously. Not aimlessly. Knowing what He is doing. Knowing where He is going. Knowing what is best. Showing the way, making the way, providing the way, being the way. Bestowing the blessings that make me rich; bringing the joys that make me full; imparting the strength that makes me able to follow His footsteps.
In the paths of righteousness: Not vanity. Not sin. Not selfishness. Making straight paths for my feet—not the path of self-effort, not the path of self-righteousness, not the path of dead works. A path of mercy. A path of faith. A path of rest. A path that keeps me from regrets. Freeing me from restlessness and anxiousness; from the hurts and disappointments of life; from the worries and fears that want to cast their shadow upon the course He has chosen for me to follow. Walking step by step on the highway of holiness. His righteousness. Right thinking. Right living. Right choices. Right attitudes. Right motives. A beautiful path. A peaceful path. A joy-filled path that leads me straight to His heart.
For His name's sake: Not for my applause, recognition, or celebration. Not my light, but His glory. Not my reputation, but His honor. Not my cleverness, but His majesty. Holy One. Mighty One. Wondrous One. Awesome One. Amazing God. Name above all names. King above all kings. Lord above all lords. Transcendent. Immutable. Worthy to receive all the praise and thanks my heart can give.
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