onto the path of righteousness
through the valley of the shadow of death
high up to the tablelands (the moutain plateau)
We must make choices. We have to learn to say no and to set aside distractions so that we can say yes to Jesus. We have to take courage in the face of dangers and enemies to stay the course. We need to receive the Lord's rod and staff as loving discipline, continuing to trust him and follow him. We need to learn to forgive those who mistreat us, even as the Lord has forgiven us.
In short, we must overcome many challenges to climb to higher places with God.
Where does the power from to press onward and upward? From cotinuing to pray the opening of Psalm 23: "The Lord Jesus Christ is my Shepherd; he is all the I want."
If we mean this prayer then we learn to make space in our life, our schedule, our thoughts, and our hearts for Jesus - not to just to fit him in somewhere, but to be captivated by him alone, to be devoted to him as the One we love and live for.
Then we'll be able to say with David, "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life. And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever!"
