Why Lord?

The holidays are over but it seems the rush never ends. We were so glad to spend time with our loved ones. That is always the greatest gift and we were happy we could make the trip to Los Angeles. I have a cushion and a special pillow for my back but the pain that manages to creep through the protection during travel throbs and I look up and want to cry out “Why Lord!”

As my husband, Bill, and I traveled along Highway 58 over the Tehachapi Mountains I started thinking about the 23rd Psalm. The pastures and valleys were beautiful and green. I could imagine a shepherd tending his flock with his rod and staff as a comfort to the sheep as they enjoyed life in the green pastures.

As we drove over the mountains and thru the valleys my heart began to feel like singing as I wondered what it would be like to stand on top of a mountain and look down over the valley. I could get an entirely different perspective from the mountain top.

When we got home I turned to the 23rd psalm and read in Verse 1. “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.” In Verse 4, I read “Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff they comfort me.” In my “Spirit Filled Bible” from Thomas Nelson Publishers in Nashville Tennessee, they point out that the word comfort (nacham) in Strong’s concordance #5162 reads “To comfort, console, extend compassion, sigh with one who is grieving to repent.” That is just a portion of the reference to the word of comfort.

It is a blessing to be able to say “Why Lord” and know that he has such compassion for us whatever painful circumstances we may be experiencing.

He walks with me through the valley of pain and grief but He never leaves my side. When I reach a mountain top I can get out of the car to look out over the valley.  I believe He stands beside me pointing out that the valley is symbolic of life and I am reminded that His word is my rod and staff. In God’s word in Isaiah 40 Verses 6-8 states “The voice said “Cry out!” And he said “What shall I cry?” All flesh is grass and all its loveliness is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades, because the breath of the Lord blows upon it. Surely the people are grass. The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever.”

My husband and I attended church last Sunday. I read the title of the Pastors sermon, “The View From Mt. Perspective.” I was so blessed by his sermon concerning the importance of God’s word in our lives.

As you walk through the valley of life you might cry out, “Why Lord” but may you be blessed as you read God’s word and daily walk with Him.

Sharon Lamb is a member of Hillside Community Church, member of the YAH (Young at Heart) seniors group and member of The Christian Writers Guild Alum. Contact her by email at wslamb@pvilleca.com