God's Presence

Six simple verses, yet there have been many words written about them. The 23rd Psalm is a short passage; it only takes about one minute to read. It is not the language of philosophy or theology, not a legal or scientific document; it is just simple and sublime. As has been said, here God puts the cookies on the bottom shelf, not just any cookies, but the grandest assortment of delicacies to delight our mouths and fill our hungry souls.

There is no question on who wrote it. David – the Shepherd boy turned King. The main discussion is on when he wrote it. Was it as the shepherd boy or King? Dr. J. Vernon Magee says David was mature when he penned this. Life had beaten, battered, baffled and bludgeoned him. He was a hardened soldier. He knew songs and shadows. He was tested and tried. He was looking back and reflecting upon how God took care of him, just as he had taken care of the sheep under his care.

As we begin a study on the shelter of God, it is like a fine diamond. Jewelers speak of the 4 C’s of diamonds: cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. We see that the Presence of God is the basis of the facets of this gem. The cut refers to how perfectly the symmetry and proportions of the diamond capture light and then deliver it to our eyes in the form of sparkle. The facets of salvation, forgiveness, encouragement, peace, and protection reflect the very Glory of God. In perfect harmony, they shine in a clear and majestic way. 

The color of God’s shelter is as James taught, “… from the Father of lights; with Him there is no variation or shadow…” (James 1:17, HCSB). The clarity of God’s provision (Ps. 23:1 – 3), His protection (verses 4 – 5), and His presence (verse 6) is all due to His unchanging nature. Finally, consider that the carat weight of God’s shelter is His Glory. The Hebrew word kabod originally meant "weight" or "heaviness." This is used to express importance, honor, and majesty. When we are in the presence of the Glory of God, we become conscious of something greater than ourselves pressing upon us, crowding and weighing on us, like a heavy spiritual presence.

We can see that in the midst of the storm, we can find shelter in the embrace of God.