The Lord is my Shepherd.

As I reflect on my previous posts about examining our own hearts and lives to align them with Gods heart etc I find myself questioning a few things. 

Is my motive to look good and pious, (like a Pharisee) or genuine change of heart?

If I am falling short, how do I address this?

The answer to both is similar.  

One of my all time favorite biblical characters is David, and to be sure he was not a poster boy for moral standards in many of his ways and actions. Yet he stands out in a startling manner, and I find myself drawn to what made him to be called a man after Gods own heart? He had no claim on the most righteous man, for sure, there was blood on his hands, to the extent that God would not let him build the temple.  

As I look at his life I note that despite everything; at heart he knew he was in no way perfect, in fact far from it. However he knew that God his Shepherd and Lord was gracious to be David's righteousness and covering.  

David simply trusted God, and believed that if he called out and poured out his failings and shortcomings, God would stand in the gap and release love and forgiveness toward him in mercy and grace. Blessed is the man, whose transgressions are forgiven....As he wrote in his psalms. 

In many ways David as a prophetic Shepherd Warrior King was looking towards Christ and the imparted righteousness that He has provided. 

He had an implicit trust and rare relationship with the Good Shepherd, even in his weaknesses he knew he could count on God in every situation, even though some his own actions brought consequences. 

He understood and allowed God the Father's loving discipline. 

So what can I learn and put into practice? 

Firstly I recognize that my goodness, or righteousness has actually nothing to do with my own efforts, it is Christ in me the hope of glory.  

Secondly I have no means to be save myself or even be a good person apart from Christ and He imparts that to me because HE is good.

Thirdly when I realise this, my only real response is to confess my brokenness and need for him, and that like David I seek a completely intimate relationship with the Lord my Shepherd, whom I trust implicitly, even when he lovingly disciplines me.

Finally I yield myself in full surrender to God the Father as Lord, the author and finisher of my Faith. HE is the one works within me to will and please him.



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