Is Your Relationship With God Personal?

Read also Psalms 19:1-14.

The world is full of people who are comfortable with generalized, indefinite references to God, but who either panic or bristle when words like *yours* or *mine* are used in religious conversation. The progress of thought in Psalm 23 describes this difference in attitudes quite clearly, it seems to me.

First of all, you are never really ready to speak intelligently about your Lord until you can say, *The Lord is my shepherd.* When you own Him as your Shepherd, you also commit yourself to all the wonderful things He does for His sheep. The green pastures and still waters (His nurturing Word), the restored soul (His indwelling Spirit), the paths of righteousness (His gentle guidance)—all are yours when you say, *My shepherd.*

Even at that, your relationship with God may still be somewhat theoretical and academic. It is only when you sense the presence of your dear Shepherd in the valley of the shadow and in the midst of your warfare with God*s enemies that you can say, *Thou art with me.* Even when there are no still waters, no refreshment, and seemingly no shining pathway of guidance—only gloom, threats, and dire forebodings—your trusting heart can rest in these promises: *Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil.* Not *He* any longer, but *Thou*!

Small thought here: Make the transition today from an indefinite, impersonal relationship with God to that personal commitment of love that allows you to say amid the deepest gloom, *Thou art with me.* This devotional was written by Dr. Robert A. Cook. You can subscribe to his free email articles and listen to his Spirit-filled 15-minute messages at www.walkwiththeking.org. Used with written permission.

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