“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” (Psalm 23:1, NKJV)

Psalm 23 was the second passage of Scripture that I memorized as a child of six. The first was Psalm 100. Memorizing those two passages early in life shaped my life. I’ve never doubted that God was my shepherd.

I have always enjoyed thinking and dreaming about the future. As a child I read a story about a family living with futuristic opportunities that one could only dream of then. For example Dick Tracy could talk to someone on his watch. I do that daily now! 🙂 Later, you might remember the Jetsons Cartoons on Saturday morning. I looked forward eagerly and dreamed about a future of flying cars. Yeppers, I was hooked. In high school I saw the future in Tomorrow Land at Disney World. I was all in. The future was promising and exciting at the same time.

Then, during my college years, someone said to me, “your will never be able to afford a house.” Interest rates were soaring. Prophecy buffs were pronouncing doom before the Lord’s return. Watergate happened! Before “preppers” was a thing, well meaning people were advising me to prepare for doomsday. In a decade interest rates would be above 20%. The first church that I pastored already had two loans both with interest rates north of 20%.

My call to ministry was tested often in those early days. One of my ministry heroes said to me, “you have had an emotional experience. There is no way God has called you to preach.” To be fair from outward appearances that would seem to be true. I was frail and had been through multiple surgeries and was legally disabled. However, I had this compelling internal impression and a vision of ministry.

My health was so poor that my surgeon in Atlanta at Emory University Hospital told me one day, “Dennis, you should never plan on being married.” I drove home and went to the church I grew up in and prayed earnestly about that. But God!! While I was praying, God gave me a vision. I don’t say that lightly, but in the vision, I saw my family. I didn’t share it with anyone at the time. I was only 17, but it is still so real. I had hope for the future.

When I graduated from high school suddenly I became so ill, that I had to be admitted into Emory Hospital and almost died. Perhaps the doctor was correct. No college for me that fall. But God!!

When I had an interview with the vice president of our school he told me, “you don’t belong in school. You’re not capable.” But God!!

Despite the well meaning negative remarks about the future made by good people, God has been so faithful to His Word. Joy has defined our lives. We have experienced tests and trials, but a deep joy has been ours in Christ. We are still confident of the future because of our faith in God’s goodness and care.

I married the girl of my dreams! We have decade after decade enjoyed the life and love we share. We have worked side by side in ministry together around the globe. We were blessed with four wonderful children and four tremendous grandsons! My wife and I were so blessed to be able to purchase our first home with rates far less than the going interest rates. We also had a 25% downpayment on our home. We would walk around the property we bought and give God thanks for it. We dreamed about the home we would build. I still remember the smell of the new landscaping and walking into our home for the first night. He is a Good Shepherd and we have not lacked any good thing. Actually, we have been far more blessed than we deserve.

I could go on and on with stories like that. The future is something we still look forward to and are confident of because of the second passage of Scripture I memorized as a six year old child. Psalm 23. Daily, I scan several newspapers and magazines after my morning devotionals. I am well aware of contemporary challenges. I am also well aware of who really holds the future! Therein lies my faith and hope!

“The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.” (Psalm 23:1, NLT)

Tomorrow, “Anxiety Does Not Define Us!”

Peace!