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God’s Loving Character

Welcome! If you’re reading An Untroubled Heart by Micca Campbell with me, I’m in Chapter 4. If you’re not studying this book, please know that you are welcome to read any posts that interest you. And stay as long as you like!

Psalm 23 from the New King James Version (NKJV) is printed in Chapter 4 of An Untroubled Heart. I’m familiar with Psalm 23 so I didn’t notice what version it was quoted from; I was more focused on the points made in the chapter.

However, when I read Psalm 23 from my New Living Translation Bible, I immediately noticed the difference in how it reads. I’d like to share it with you…

Psalm 23 (New Living Translation)

The LORD is my shepherd;
I have all that I need.
He lets me rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams.
He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.

Even when I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me.

You prepare a feast for me
in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.

Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the LORD
forever.

I don’t know about you, but I find these words give me comfort and a greater understanding of God’s character.

Allow me to pull out some of the parts that struck me…

He lets me rest; He leads meand renews my strength. He stays close beside me to protect and comfort me. He will pursue and stay with me forever.

So, I wonder, in God’s loving character, why would He leave anything in our lives to chance or coincidence? I don’t believe He does.

Over the past few years, I have stopped attributing anything to coincidence. I don’t believe things happen through luck or by coincidence. But what I do believe is that, from small insignificant things to life-changing events, God works things together for the good of those who love Him. (Romans 8:28)

God wants to be involved in every part of our lives. We shouldn’t feel like we cannot ask Him for His provision, or that we need to figure something out on our own. He wants us to turn to Him and let Him provide for us. God knows what we want and what we need, and He knows what is best for us.

This doesn’t mean life will always be bliss. Life this side of Heaven will never be without struggles and trials, but He will be there with us. God knows what we can handle on our own and how much more we can deal with through His love, strength, and guidance. No matter how dark the valley we must go through, we don’t need to go through it alone—for He gives us His Word that He will be close beside us, guiding us through each day.