We all have our ‘comfort zones’. Venturing beyond them is easier for some than others. Growth, however, is all about entering unfamiliar territory; there we develop.
Unfamiliar territory is a fact of life:
- as the newborn enters fresh air
- as the youngster starts school or swimming lessons
- as the teen preps for the first date, or driving lessons
- as we enter marriage with its newness, and adjustments (!)
- as we arrive in the “golden years” with its joys, and losses
A friend told me, “The key to success is knowing yourself.” I agree, but it has taken time to know myself – years. In walking on certain new ground, I have adapted well.
In other areas I still struggle. My adaptability has limits; “know your limit, play within it” has meaning for me. And I’m NOT referring to the casino!
Facing unfamiliar territory is less stressful when I AM NOT ALONE. A trusted parent, mentor, doctor, or team reassures and instills confidence. I struggle with technology, yet having my GPS with me really helps me along.
Another fact of life is that certain new territory overwhelms us. Our desire to be INDEPENDENT (and not bother anybody) works against us. For instance, when we privatize personal loss and grief – going it alone, the journey is much longer and more difficult.
I doubt that anyone is ‘self-made’. We are created to be inter-dependent – to live in community with others.
Psalm 23 speaks of having a safe God with us. With the Lord as his Shepherd, King David says, “I shall not want” or “I shall lack nothing.” We yearn for such a confidence and contentment.
He essentially affirms two things:
- God has been with him up to the Present (vs.2-3)
God provides for him, gives places of rest, satisfies his thirst, and restores his soul. He leads him in paths best for him – paths of righteousness.
God faithfully looks out for His people. David trusts Him – having witnessed His proven ‘track-record’. This is not blind faith, but faith in a Shepherd who is consistently trustworthy.
- God is with him in Unfamiliar Territory (vs.4)
Whenever life’s path took David into “the valley of the shadow of death”, he affirmed, “Even there You are with me.” David is not alone; God’s ability to guide and guard comforted him. I have found this to be so.
One final note – knowing Jesus, the Good Shepherd, I also affirm with David, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” (vs.6) Each of us can have this assurance. The best ‘Unfamiliar Territory’ is yet to come!
“Are YOU with me?”
Pastor Bill Terris