GOD HAS BEEN SO GOOD.

I have been a pastor for 16 years, a husband for 21 years, and a father for 12.

God has been so good to me.

My son Levi is 12, Judah is 9, Adlee is 7, and Ezra is 3. My parents live less than 15 houses from us and we see them often. We have a full house and a full life.

All of this reminds me of the words I have read so often in Psalm 23 where the good shepherd graciously leads his flock toward blessing, refreshment, and a bright future - despite the many dangers that are all around.

“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
Psalm 23

Life has not always been easy, but God has been good. I wonder what it would be like if you and I focused more on His goodness and mercy and less on the hard seasons of life?

It’s hard to overlook the dark valleys, but it’s easier to look past them when I know that God is by my side. I bet you feel the same.