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: And welcome to the Dr. Nursemama Show Prescribing hope For.
: Healthy Families here on American Family Radio. Here's your host, professor, pediatric nurse practitioner, and mom of four, Dr. Jessica Peck.
Dr. Jessica Peck: Well, hey there, friends, and welcome to my favorite time of day, getting to spend time with you, prescribing Hope for healthy families. And listen, we need it. We really are in a world where we need hope every day. And for those of you who come here every day to find it, I am so grateful that you are here. And today, as always, I feel like I'm talking a lot about the news headlines. And of course we see it seems like every day there's a news story that dominates and it's just breaking news. Of course, I'm sure many of you are following the news story, the national news story of the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie. And of course, we are all praying. I encourage you all to pray for that situation and for every situation in which someone is missing where there is just a tragedy like that. And as I'm watching the news coverage, I see the, anchor actually said we're having breaking headlines every four or five minutes. And I thought, oh my goodness, my heart can't take this. And when a tragedy like this happens, many times we want answers. We want to know what happened. Now why do we have this insatiable curiosity to know what happened? Well, it's really a self protection mode. It is a self protection coping mechanism that we have. We, we want to know what happened so that our minds can automatically find some distance between us and that story. Oh, well, I would never have oh, well, I don't live in oh well, I don't know or I didn't do. We're looking for that way to make ourselves feel safe because deep down, these stories like this really make us feel unsafe. And if we're really honest, they rob our peace, they take our peace because we don't feel peaceful. And we think, I won't feel peaceful until I know what happens and I can know how to make sure that that's going to happen to my family. At the heart of it is a good desire. But the way that we respond to it is not a healthy coping mechanism. And we're looking for peace, but a very temporary, fleeting peace, one that we chase. We want the peace that. Where life feels manageable, where, you know, everything is going well, where everything is lining up into place. But what if I told you there is a peace that is deeper, that is more, abiding than that, that is more unshakable than that, that anchors our. No matter what is happening in the culture, because we live in a culture that is definitely marked by anxiety, by conflict, by distraction. And according to recent studies, it. It's 70%. It's reported that 70% of adults report daily stress that affects their physical health. The other 30% are clearly not being honest. Because we live in a world where stress definitely impacts us. And for us as adults, we take that stress home. We take it to our spouse, we take it to our children, we take it to extended families. More than half of couples say stress regularly leads to sharp disagreements. Many parents report anxiety. That lack of peace impacts their children's sleep, their behavior, their emotional well being, which in turn impacts our emotional well being as parents. Because then we worry about our kids. Those are statistics, but they're more than that. They're symptoms. And for me, as a healthcare provider, I look at symptoms, but I see these as symptoms of a very deep spiritual hunger, A hunger for a peace that lasts. And that's what we're going to talk about today. We're going to explore what it means to discover peace not as that fragile feeling that we cultivate for ourselves, but as a divine gift rooted in the presence of the good shepherd. And our guest, Tara Dew, is an author and Bible teacher. She's written a beautiful new book, Overflowing Peace, Finding Rest for our Souls. And she is here to help guide us through those timeless truths of Psalm 23. Now this is an invitation to move, to do something, to get up, from that place of anxiety that you're in and to seek that assurance that God has given you, not by trying to fix your circumstances, but just by resting in the shepherd who restores our souls. Tara, I am so grateful that you are here today. Thanks for joining us.
Tara Dew: Thank you so much for having me. What a gift it is for me to be here.
Dr. Jessica Peck: It is. It is a gift. It is a gift. When we can share our faith, when we can share encouragement. I love conversations to hear about what God is doing in your heart and the encouragement and the peace that he gives you and to see this message that he has laid on your heart for peace in such turbulent times, that is a gift. That is a gift to me and everyone listening, and I'm so grateful for that.
Tara Dew is the president's wife at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary
And I'd love for you just to start by introducing yourself to us. Tell us a little bit about who you are and how you came to be sitting here today with this message on your heart of peace.
Tara Dew: Well, thank you so much for having me. My name is Tara Dew. I am the president's wife at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. My husband and I have been married now for 25 years. And we also have four, four kiddos just like you do. but something interesting about us is we actually have two sets of fraternal boy girl twins. So I have 18 year olds and 15 year olds. And so life is fun in our house. And we call ourselves the Dew Crew because we bring a party wherever we go. So. So.
Dr. Jessica Peck: Oh, I love it.
Tara Dew: Being a mom. I do love teaching God's word. I love teaching the Bible. And I've had the opportunity now to write Overflowing Joy, which walks through John 15 and now overflowing peace that walks through Psalm 23. And so sharing this message, with anyone who will listen has been just such a gift and a joy to me, especially in the last few weeks and months, after God showed me these lessons and taught me, before it ever got written on a, on a page. And so thanks again for having me. I'm so glad to be here and having this discussion with you, Tara.
Dr. Jessica Peck: That is always how it happens. I can't tell you how many times I've sat across the microphone from someone who says, I've walked through this, I have walked this. And I think about the scripture that tells us that we get, we can share that encouragement that we have received. We can share the hope that we have received by walking through it. I've yet to have a guest who said, yeah, this was just given to me by divine revelation, and I'm going to deliver this message to you perfectly. It always comes from that season of struggle. And, and we can be grateful for that because there's a growth in that.
Tara says Psalm 23 is mostly known for being read at funerals
And Tara, your book begins with the, with a good shepherd. And I think, you know, you're a mom of, four teens at once. I've done that too. And, it's on my heart to see the message that older generations are giving this younger generation, that basically this is a terrible time to be alive. The world is on fire. And I'm so glad I didn't grow up when you're growing up. But there are timeless truths, no matter our age and stage, that we can find hope and rest in. And one of those timeless, timeless truths that really a lot of people know, even people who wouldn't profess to know Christ or follow Christ, is Psalm 23, the good shepherd. Tell us. Give us a little introduction to this.
Tara Dew: Well, honestly, Psalm 23 is mostly known for being read at funerals. And that's why Christians and non Christians alike will know this passage, because they've probably heard it at a funeral. For a lot of us who did grow up in church, Psalm 23 probably was memorized when we were little kids. And so whether we've heard it at funerals, whether we memorized it, sometimes we can become so familiar with a Bible passage that we really miss the truths that are tucked into it. And so when I began to study this beautiful psalm of just six verses written by King David, who was a shepherd himself, all about God, our good shepherd, I learned so much. Because we live in a. In a time that's not as familiar with shepherds and sheep as they would have been. They were living among this agricultural society. And so the images that David was using here would have been much more familiar to his listeners of that day, or even the Hebrew people. But for us, so far removed from that, we really do need to dive in and see, study each image in this psalm to see what he's talking about. And what's beautiful is that there are actually 10 images tucked into Psalm 23 that all show us attributes and aspects of our God. And so, of course, as we walk through it, we'll get to see these today. But verse one begins with the Lord is my shepherd. And so what he is saying there is that Yahweh, God Almighty, the Lord, written with all capital letters there in verse one. This is the God who made heaven and earth, the one who by a word spoke it into existence, and by his word upholds it all. And yet David juxtaposes that with this God, who is so mighty and so powerful, is my shepherd. And a shepherd was one who knew his sheep. They knew his voice. He dwelt with them. A shepherd is the only occupation that lived with their animals. If you think about cattle farmers or horse ranchers, they don't actually live in the field with animals, but shepherds always do, because we as sheep, we need a shepherd who is with us always. And so David just begins this psalm with this statement. The Lord Yahweh is my shepherd. And then because of that truth, everything else in Psalm 23 stems from that. We can say, because he's my shepherd, I have what I need, because he's my shepherd. I can lay down in green pastures because he's my shepherd, I can drink from quiet waters because he's my shepherd, I don't have to fear because he's with me even in the dark valleys. And so that first phrase, the Lord is my shepherd, sets up everything in this psalm that is so beautiful. And. And you and I, we have to remind ourselves we are like sheep. We. We can get ourselves into messes, we can become dirty sometimes we're not very smart. And we have a shepherd who loves us and who knows us and who is with us. And because of that, our hearts can have peace. Not because our circumstances are perfect, our circumstances never can bring us peace, but our relationship with our shepherd is what gives us true peace. And that's when Jesus says in John, he'll say, I am the good shepherd. And then in Ephesians, chapter two, it tells us, jesus is our peace. And so by David saying, the Lord is my shepherd, the Bible reminds us, this is talking about Jesus our Savior, who is our good shepherd, and he is the peace that comes into our hearts. And so that's really the setup of the whole psalm that we really have to understand. And then as we're walking through it and seeing these truths about shepherds and sheep, it just comes to life in a way that I think sometimes we miss, either because we only hear it at funerals or because maybe we memorized it when we were a little child, and it's become so familiar to us. But this psalm, is a psalm for life. It is a psalm about living and experiencing the true peace that our shepherd brings us.
Dr. Jessica Peck: Well, I guess we're done here. Amen. Everyone get the book and let's go home. Because that is.
Dr. Jessica Peck says digital connections can steal connections from real people around us
That is such a good word of encouragement, Tara. You know, when I look at the world today, as a, you know, again, as a healthcare professional, we talk a lot about the epidemic of anxiety and depression, which is absolutely happening. But one of the quieter pandemics that's happening is a pandemic of loneliness. And we see in the world we're more digitally connected than ever. But those digital connections, honestly, can be so destructive because they steal our connections from real people around us, and that includes real people who are encouraging us in our walk of faith. And it could. It can separate us from our church community and, those kinds of things. And. And I just hear so Many people say, I feel so alone. But what you just said is, the Lord is my shepherd. And that is such a powerful thing, a powerful message to be able to give to your kids who maybe are walking through loneliness, giving them scriptures like that as a reminder. Yes, we can give them our worldly earthly wisdom. We can say, oh, we, I love you. You're amazing. You're a great person. You know, we can say all of those encouraging messages, but to say messages like, remember, the Lord is your shepherd, you shall not want, and then to go on. And we're, we're going to go on because we're going to go on to finding peace and green pastures.
Tara Dew takes us on a beautiful journey through Psalm 23
Now, for those of you listening, this is such a beautiful journey through Psalm 23. Again, it's by Tara Dew. The full title of the book is Overflowing. Peace, Finding rest for our souls. And it goes through. Peace in green pastures, our late, our daily bread. Peace in the quiet waters are living water. Peace in the right paths are renewing righteousness. Peace in the dark valleys, our emmanuel. Peace in the rod, our protection, Peace in the staff, our comfort. Peace in the table, our satisfaction. Peace in the oil, our balm and peace. Peace in the house of the Lord. there's also joy in the house of the Lord. That's probably coming to me from a Phil Wickham song, which is in my top 10 list of, 147 songs in my top 10 list. But listen, when we come back, so much more to talk about with Tara Dew Because peace does not start with your circumstances. It starts with confidence in your good shepherd. And that confidence leads into how we rest daily. When I come back with Tara Dew, she is going to teach us more as a Bible teacher does about Psalm 23. And hopefully come back, you will find rest for your soul. After we rest. Just a minute. In this break.
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Peace Be Still by Hope Darst: I don't want to be afraid Every. Time I face the waves. I don't want to be afraid. I don't want to be afraid. And I don't want to fear the. Storm Just because I hear it roar. I don't want to fear the storm. I don't want to fear the storm. Peace, be still. Say the word and I will set. My feet upon the sea Till I'm dancing in the deep Peace Be Still You are here so it is well. Even when my eyes can't see I.
Dr. Jessica Peck: Will trust the voice that speaks. Welcome back. I'm not Gonna be afraid. Peace Be still by Hope Darst. And you know, as I was listening to that song along with you, I was really struck by the first line. I don't want to be afraid. How many of you, I'm gonna say, definitely me, how many of you have thought that in the last day, in the last week, in the last month? Thinking, I don't want to be afraid. I don't want to feel afraid anymore. There's so many things that can make us feel afraid. Many of those things come from news lines which even, this morning I heard the newsline, this airport's going to be shut down. No, it's not. And you think, do I need to be afraid? Do I not?
Tara Dew talks about finding peace and rest in a counter cultural world
Listen, we are talking today about finding peace and rest in a counter cultural world. And I'm here with author and Bible teacher Tara Dew. She is author of the book Overflowing Peace, Finding rest for our souls. And listen, we need this because when we don't find spiritual rest, we don't find physical rest, we don't find emotional rest. And it takes a toll on our bodies, it takes a toll on our relationships, it takes a toll on our hearts. And we gotta swim upstream to. To find this. It's really hard to do. But Tara has made a path for us to do that and that is in studying Psalm 23. And Tara, before the break, you gave such a beautiful introduction to Jesus, our good shepherd. And I'm already crying a little on the inside because we're not going to be able to talk about every single part of your book, which maybe, maybe we will. And this will just be a to be continued.
Let's start with being our living water, peace in the quiet waters
But I want to know about Jesus. I want to. Let's start with being our living water, peace in the quiet waters. Let's start there and talk about the imagery of that and how that reflects the peace that we find in Christ, because we certainly know about turbulent waters. How do we find quiet waters?
Tara Dew: Yes. Well, sheep, are very timid creatures. And so they don't want to go toward the waters that are loud and rushing because they get scared of them. And so, left to themselves, sheep will go to very stagnant waters to drink because they're not loud, they're not rushing. But the problem is, is that those waters carry bacteria and other things from being so stagnant that it's almost poisonous to the sheep. And so a shepherd will lead his sheep to quiet waters or still waters, meaning it's a water that's moving, but very slowly, so it won't scare the sheep, but it also doesn't poison the sheep. It is swee water. Sometimes. The Bible calls it. My, husband likes to call it Goldilocks water. It's not too fast, it's not too still. It's just right. And our, Our shepherd knows that we need that, and he leads us to that quiet water. But what's beautiful is that in the book of John in the New Testament, Jesus will explain to the woman at the well, I'm, your living water. If you drink from me, you will never be thirsty again. And what I love about that story is that he sought her out to teach her a theological truth about himself. And she leaves her water at the well and runs into the town and says, come meet the man who told me everything I ever did right, who told me I could get this water that I'll never to drink again. And when you and I have found Jesus, and when we have tasted and seen that he is good, and when his word washes over us and the truth that we find in him, it is living water to our souls. We don't have to be scared. We don't have to take in the things that are poisonous of this world, because we have Jesus, our, good shepherd, who leads us to quiet waters. And that comes right at the end of the verse that talks about the green pastures. And so both in the pastures and in the waters, Jesus is reminding us, I'm your provider. I'm going to provide for your physical needs, your nourishment, but also your water needs. And I'm also going to provide for your soul. I'm going to give your soul satisfaction and peace that we need. And what I love is, it says, he makes me lie down. And sheep will not lie down if they are scared. They will not lie down if they are hungry and they will not lie down if they're thirsty. But with a good shepherd who leads his sheep to green grass and still waters, they can lie down in his presence because they have everything they need. And they're not afraid because the shepherd is there and all of their needs are provided for. And so I think, you know, if we're not careful, we can seek our satisfaction from the things of this world. But the thing about it is, is it's kind of like drinking ocean water. It does not satisfy. It makes us more thirsty. But when we come to Jesus and we the truth and the nourishment and the provision that his presence provides for us, we have peace. And I think this is why Jesus says in the Book of John, in this world, you're going to have trouble. But take heart in me, I've overcome this world, right? And I'm giving you my peace. And so when we truly find our nourishment and our satisfaction in him, our identity in him, it changes everything. And so that beautiful verse two about those pastures and those quiet waters, it's just reminding us you have a good shepherd who provides for your needs and you can lie down in peace because of his care for us.
Dr. Jessica Peck: Again, just beautiful. And I can see so many parallels, because even in thinking about how you're describing this, this, the, the, the cultural, the historical application, of, you know, what that looked like to be a shepherd and taking us to that moment, I can see that even today when we think about rushing waters or stagnant waters, we kind of do that, don't we? When we're, we're trying to absorb the news, we're trying to see what's happening. And some of us, you know, just, okay, turn on the fire hydrant, give me every little thing. And some of us, I don't want to know anything. And when we know that Jesus is our good shepherd and he leads us beside quiet waters, we can be informed, but not afraid. And we. How often do you digest the news of what's going on and you can't sleep and you're hungry and you're thirsty because you're thinking about what you're supposed to be eating and drinking and all of those things. There's so many parallels. But I know one of my favorite scriptures is he gives sleep to his beloved. And sleep is a gift. Rest is a gift that God gives to us. And I love how you're just, you know, intertwining all of these scriptures here. And there's so much we can learn from the, those nature applications too. And we see that thirst for that, right? Like people want to go to some place where there's no invasion of technology. We want to rest in God's creation. But when we're going there, that brings us up to peace in the right path. That's a lot of times, Tara, what people want to know, what is God's will for me? Where should I go? Give me a step by step, please. GPS me through my life. God tell me when to turn, when to go. But that's not really how it works. So how do, how does he lead us in the path? Paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
A shepherd will have to lead his sheep down new paths
Tara Dew: I love this verse. And this is one of those verses that just stepped all over my toes because I learned sheep are, creatures of habit. They like to go on the same paths. They like to go to the same pastures, even though that's not for their good. And so a shepherd knows that he can't lead his sheep on the same path they're used to because they can become so redded. The sheep's hooves can get, get stuck in their ruts and ankles can be broken or sprained. And in addition, those same paths lead them to pastures that they've already been to, and there's no more green grass there. So a shepherd will have to lead his sheep down new paths. Now, let me tell you, we are like sheep. We don't want to go to new places. We don't want to do new things. We like our same familiar ways. But it's such a reminder that these paths are for our good and for his righteousness. Righteousness. And so, just like a shepherd would lead his sheep down these new paths, it would lead them to new pastures that were for their good and for the shepherd's good. Because then the sheep weren't sickly or sprained ankles or other things. And that's the same in our life too. God is always doing something new. He doesn't want us to stay the same. He doesn't want us to get comfortable in our, walk with Him. Because when we get comfortable, we begin to depend on ourselves. We depend on our experiences, our education, our giftings. But God wants to lead us down new paths and new opportunities to serve and minister with Him. And so one thing that we're told is that sheep know their shepherd's voice. And so as a shepherd is leading them on the new paths, he will be calling to them often by name, and they will be following the shepherd's voice. And for you and I today, the main way we do that, y', all, is by reading the Bible, by reading his Word, knowing his Word, knowing what kind of character is he developing in us, knowing where he's working and at work, and asking him, God, let me join you there. Let me come and be a part of what you are doing. Open my eyes to the people around me that you are stirring in their hearts and lead me down that new path to serve them. And friends, I have walked, walked down new paths with my good shepherd. And I have been scared because I don't know where I'm going. But a shepherd will never lead you to a place he's not been before. And you've got a good shepherd who goes before you and is with you and he is calling you by name. So follow his voice. Listen to where he's working, listen to where he's taking you. It will never contradict with God's Word. But as you're in his word, maybe a worship song or a pastor's sermon or maybe even somebody else, that church comes up to you and says something and it confirms what you've been reading in scripture. Trust God. He's leading you down a new path that will be for your good and for his righteousness.
Dr. Jessica Peck: Tara, I hear people in their mind saying, yes, yes, yes, I want that.
David says in Psalm 23 that God is with him through dark valleys
But, but now we're getting to the dark valley part and I definitely don't want to go there. And you think of this line in scripture and it's is so iconic in culture, which is, what I was talking about at the top of the hour. How many movies have you seen that are not faith based movies at all? And yet you hear this somber voice, Yay. Though I walk through the valley, you hear this, this scripture, there is something that is clearly compelling about it. There is something that cuts across all of the, all of that messaging. How about, even if, okay, we're going somewhere, we don't want to go, know we're going through a dark valley. What about then?
Tara Dew: Yep. So this was a, this is a very real place in Israel. It is a valley that does not get sunlight at any point of the day. Even at high noon, it will be completely dark. But a shepherd David would have had to take his sheep through this valley to get from the high pastures to the low pastures. And in a dark valley, there would have been predators and, enemies that would have been lurking and hiding, ready to attack. But what I love about, about this verse in Psalm 23 is it goes from a third person, the Lord is my shepherd, to now David says, I will Fear no evil, for you are with me. And it becomes this personal, intimate, close God, who is a shepherd, who walks with us through the dark valleys. And I think it's important for us to see this. There is a movement through. It's not that you're going to be there forever. Your shepherd is walking you through that valley, and he's walking you. Y' all aren't running. You're not marathoning it through. You're not sprinting through it. You are walking obediently with him. He is right there with you. And especially in the darkness. The sheep would have been so comforted knowing my shepherd is with me. And often he would be right in the middle of his sheep, talking to them, calling to them. And I remind people often, sometimes it is in our darkest circumstances, in the moments of suffering and trial, that our God is closest to us. And sometimes it doesn't feel like that when you're going through it, but you can look back and you can think, okay, I heard my God right there. I saw my God's hand right there. God was protecting me right here. He was comforting me in this moment. And so, friends, sometimes God might never be as close to you, you as he is when you're in a. In a dark valley. The shepherd was not ahead of his sheep. He wasn't behind his sheep. He is with his sheep. And those five words in the English translation for you are with me, they are like the top of the ladder of Psalm 23. Verses 1 through 3 build to this truth. And verses 5 and 6 stem from it, too. For you are with me. And this is God's omnipresent presence. It is an attribute of our God. That means he is present everywhere. He is with you wherever you're listening to this radio show. He is with me here in NewSong Orleans. He is with Dr. Jessica in Texas. And that is what our God is. He is the omnipresent God who is with his people. And we see it from Genesis to Revelation. They'll never use that term, omnipresent. But his characteristic of this, it was with Adam and Eve. It was with the Israelites in the wilderness, with the tabernacle, it was with them in the temple. Jesus dwelt among us, and then he's given us the Holy Spirit. And one day in heaven, the Bible tells us, God will be their God, and they will be his people, and he will dwell with them. he is a God who wants to be near to us. And so when we are walking through the valley of the shadow of death, and we've all been through that, y'. All. A diagnosis, a relationship, a lost family member grieving, the loss of maybe a future or a job or. Or something that you loved. God is with us. And we don't have to be afraid because we have a good shepherd who is omnipresent. He is fully present with you right now and he loves you, you and he cares for you. And no matter what you're going through, you don't have to be afraid. There will be a time when the sun shines again and you will get through that dark valley.
Dr. Jessica Peck: Tara, we, we need a minute after that because I feel that to the core of, my soul it is so true. And we are all going to face trials, but we can choose to look for our good shepherd. And we can know that no matter what we face, we are never alone. And one day God will make all things new. So much more encouragement coming to you from the 23rd Psalm and Tara Dew right after this break.
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Speak To The Mountains by Chris McClarney: So I won't be shaken. I won't be moved. My God is faithful. His promise is true. So I'll speak to the mountains oh it's time to move. 'Cause my God is bigger, better, stronger, greater than you
In this world we will have trouble, but we also have hope
Welcome back friends. That is Speak to the Mountains by Chris McClarney. And that's what we're doing today. We are speaking to the mountains. We are speaking to through the valleys. And I don't know about you, but I have been so personally encouraged already. It feels like in this world we will have trouble and boy do we have a lot of it. We have heaps of trouble every single day. And and Scripture tells us sufficient for the day is its own troubles. And we have plenty. But we also have so many messages of hope that we can take heart. We can be of good cheer. God has already overcome the world and we know how the story ends. One of those scriptures that is so encouraging is Psalm 23. I'm here today with author and Bible teacher Tara Dew, author of Overflowing Peace, Finding Rest for Our souls. And we're going to continue walking through Psalm 23, which paints not just a picture of peace, of this. Of a funeral scene from a movie. This is a living, breathing word of God that gives us actual instruments of peace, things that the shepherd brings into our lives that sustain us through those trials that certainly will come.
There are three tools that a shepherd always carries to comfort his sheep
And so, Tara, I want to talk about the rod and the staff. Now, these are probably the two words. And we can. We know about sheep, we know about water. We can. We can understand that. But rod and staff are really just what we think about. For Moses and the ten Commandments, maybe, or maybe the people who work for us, these words are less familiar. Walk us through it.
Tara Dew: Yes. So there are three tools that a shepherd always carries with him. and there are three tools that give comfort to a sheep. And that's why in Psalm 23, it says, your rod and your staff, they comfort me. And then a few verses down later, it talks about the oil on the head. So these were the three tools. A rod, a staff, and oil. So the first one is the rod. And that was really like a club that, the shepherd would fashion out of a young SAP tree. It would have a ball on one end and then a stick on the other. And they would carry it in their right hand. And the rod would be used as a defense against any enemies that would try to come and attack the sheep. Because sheep are pretty defenseless. They have got not sharp teeth. They can't run fast, they can't fly away. they don't have fangs or claws or anything, so they really can't defend themselves. Themselves. But a shepherd who is always with them always carries the rod. And the rod would be used to fight away predators that were coming to attack the sheep. And for you and I, we have enemies that try to come and attack us, too. Some of them are physical, but a lot of them are spiritual. And it's such an encouragement to know through scripture. It will be called God's righteous right hand that protects us. And that is the image of the rod. It is the right hand of God that is protecting and defending his children against any that will try to come and attack. The second tool is the very famous shepherd's crook. that is the long curved stick with the hook at the end. This is the only profession that uses a crook. So if you ever see a shepherd's crook, you know it's a shepherd with sheep. And that shepherd's crook was also a comfort to the sheep, because sheep. Sheep can get themselves into some messes. They can fall down cliffs, they can get stuck in briars, they can get stuck in mud. And the shepherd's crook would be hooked around their neck and they could be pulled out of whatever they got themselves into. And I don't know about you, Dr. Jessica, but sometimes I can get myself into some messes. And I bet some of these listeners can too, right? Sometimes we fall down, sometimes we sin, we mess up. and what I love is that our God rescues us too. Just like a shepherd will rescue his sheep. Our God rescues us. He rescues us when he saves us with salvation through his Son. But even when we sin, he picks us up, a psalm says. He lifts us up from the miry pit and he sets our feet on a solid ground. And so the shepherd's crook was also a source of comfort for the sheep because not only would the club protect them, the rod, from any enemies that were coming, but the crook kind of protected them from themselves. But also a shepherd would use it if they were walking side by side with a sheep. Sometimes they'll put the shepherd's crook kind of around the side of the sheep, almost like they're walking arm in arm or hand in hand. And so the shepherd's crook is a sign of affection for the sheep. But the third tool that a shepherd always uses is the oil. Now, sheep have these terrible things called nasal flies that can burrow into their moisture in their nostrils, lay eggs, that then turn into worm like larva, and then they begin to fly around the nostrils and up into the nose of, the sheep and around its head. So you can imagine how the sheep would literally be driven crazy by these nasal flies. They would try. Yes, that's right. They'd rub their heads on trees or rocks just to try to, like, calm and soothe their heads. And God's words is an oil to our souls, too. We can be pestered by these pesky thoughts, these evil thoughts in our minds, these sinful thoughts in our minds. And God's Word calms and soothes that too. In addition, the Holy Spirit is referred to as like an anointing of oil in the NewSong Testament. And it provides a calming comfort to our souls because he's the counselor, he's the guide, he is our helper who is with us always. And so I see so many parallels between the rod, the staff, and the oil of a shepherd and the righteous right hand, the deliverer, and the comfort of God's word and his spirit to our lives today. Because if we're not careful, we can get ourselves into A whole bunch of mess. We can feel like enemies are trying to attack us, and we can have these terrible thoughts, thoughts that just buzz in our minds and allow us not to rest or not to have peace. But Jesus says, I have come to give you life and life abundantly. And his crook and his rod and his oil are one of the ways that he really provides this peace for us.
Dr. Jessica Peck: Well, you know, Tara, I, we were talking about this during the break. I am a Texas girl at heart, and it is rodeo season here in Texas, and, well, it's kind of always ro. Rodeo season, but we have a big rodeo coming to town. Let me tell you, as I walk in that rodeo in the livestock show, I am never going to look at a sheep the same way again. You have just opened my eyes to see the parallels in scripture of, of the how we are like sheep and we are like sheep. We've gone astray, right? And I think sometimes we think we don't want to be the sheep, but what you've described is exactly like we are. And that parallel that you just made, that horrifying new nightmare I have unlocked of the worms and flies in your nose, but that is exactly how those intrusive thoughts that we have are. They bother us, bother us, bother us. And they're. They're just as appalling and disgusting and offensive and undesirable as what you described. And to have that encouragement. And you mentioned, when you first started talking, a verse from Isaiah 41:10, which is one of my favorite scriptures, and looking at how these scriptures complement each other, you know, do not be afraid, for I am with you. do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. I won't think of that scripture the same way either.
What does it mean to feast at God's table even when enemies are constantly coming?
And we come to the end of this, of the psalm, and I know we're just flying through this, but already have learned so much talk about peace at the table, because that's ultimately what we want to do. Dwell in the house of the Lord, Lord forever. That's what we want. What does it mean to feast at God's table even when those enemies are constantly coming?
Tara Dew: Yes. Well, I want to just remind us, friends, this is not our home. We have a king and a kingdom that is coming. And we are passing through this earthly life and heading toward a real kingdom in a real place called heaven. And we're told in the book of Revelation that there will be this marriage, supper of the lamb, this. This Endless table and feast where we can once again be with our God and He can be with us. And it says in Psalm 23, in the presence of our enemies. And I just want to remind you, when Jesus died on the cross, he was surrounded by enemies. Even when he had the last Supper, Judas Iscariot was right there with him. Right? And he said that after he died, his body would be, you know, our bread and his blood would be our juice, our wine. And we celebrate this when we take communion, when we take the Lord's Supper, we are celebrating that he is our feast. He is our table provided for us in the presence of his enemies. And even in the presence of our enemies, those who don't want us to follow Christ. But we are promised that one day that marriage supper of the lamb once again will be dwelling with our God, feasting with him forever, and dwelling in the house of the Lord. And I Love that. Psalm 23 ends with, Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life. Sheep are called animals with golden hooves because behind them was always good things with from their manure and other things. And so when sheep would go, behind them trailed goodness, and they were called the animals with golden hooves. And as I think about our God, we are following him. And behind him comes goodness and faithfulness and mercy and grace that you and I have experienced. And my husband and I often talk about this. We are like boats sailing in a sea. And we're leaving a wake behind us too. What kind of wake are we leaving? Are we leaving wakes of goodness and mercy for those that are coming after us, our children, our co workers, our neighbors, our family members? Because behind God is goodness and mercy coming to us. We have tasted and seen that he is good. And now what kind of a, legacy are we leaving? What kind of a wake are we leaving? Could we be called people with golden feet that behind us goodness comes to? Because that's what kind of legacy I want to leave, not only for my children, but those that are around me. I want them to be able to look at my life and say, God has been so good to her, her, and now she can bless other people because of God's goodness to her. And God showed her mercy and that's why she's now showing me mercy, right? So I think it's such a good reminder for us. We are heading toward a heavenly home. We are following after our God all the way there. And now there's people that are coming after us. So what kind of legacy are we leaving for them? And if we live lives of peace, well, then we're also going to be giving them peace. Right. Especially as mamas. Right. We are like the thermostat.
Dr. Jessica Peck: Oh, yes.
Tara Dew: Of our homes. And so we've got to make sure that we are setting a temperature in our homes that is that of peace and that of goodness and that of graciousness and mercy. And friend, I just can't wait till we can dwell with him forever. In his presence there is fullness of joy, and in him we have peace and peace abundantly.
Dr. Jessica Peck: Well, I've spent this whole show with goosebumps and partially because you've just quoted so much scripture and we can just gain so much encouragement. And as I'm listening to you share those scriptures, Tara, I feel like I'm, I'm hearing that little clip of a song from a viral reel that says, can we skip to the good part? And that's sometimes how I feel walking in my day to day life. Like, I know how this story ends. I know that. I know that. I know that I will live with Jesus forever in heaven. I know that I'll see my beautiful granny again. I'll be reunited with her. I know that God is going to make all things new. He's going to make all things right. I don't know how, but I know that it will happen. And it's so often we can, can just feel like, ah, let's just skip to the good part. And we miss that stuff in the middle. We miss that, walking through the valley. We miss that. All of those lessons, all of the, the things that are investments. For now, what would you say to those people who are saying, yeah, I just want to skip to the end. What encouragement do you give us while we're still here stuck in the middle?
Tara Dew: I would encourage you with Hebrews, chapter 12. Fix your eyes on your Jesus, the author and the perfecter of, our faith, who for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross despising its shame, and is now seated at the right hand of God. Ladies, let's fix our eyes on him. Let's look to him. He endured so much with joy and is now seated in heaven preparing a place for us. And I think it's important, let's keep our eyes on eternity. Let's keep that end in mind because honestly, we live different when we think he can be coming back at any time. And I know he's preparing a place for me and he's going to come back and get me. And no matter what I'm going through. It's not nearly what he went through. And he had joy as he was going through that. So, yeah, let's fix our eyes on eternity and keep our eyes there because it is a good ending and it's true, true. And he's coming back.
Dr. Jessica Peck: Amen. And I hope it is soon. But you're so right in that verse that he endured the cross for the joy set before him. And that is what we are doing. We are enduring this world for the joy that is set before us. And that joy is certainly Jesus. The book is called Overflowing Peace, Finding Rest for Our Souls by Tara Dew. I know there's some of you out there who need this, who need this encouragement, who need this for your families, need it for your souls. And wherever you are in a valley, a, mountain in pursuit of peace, I pray that the Lord will bless you and keep you and make his face to shine upon you. I pray that he will lift his countenance upon you. And I pray especially today, that he will give you peace. I'll see you right back in here tomorrow. We'd like to thank our sponsors including PreBorn. PreBorn has rescued over 400,000 babies from abortion. And every day their network clinics rescue 200 babies lives. Will you join PreBorn in loving and supporting young moms in crisis? Save a life today. Go to preborn.com/AFR the views and.
Jeff Chamblee: Opinions expressed in this broadcast may not necessarily reflect those of the American Family association or American Family Radio.
