Psalm 23:1-6 - The LORD is my shepherd, I
shall not be in want. He
makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,
he restores my soul. He
guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's
sake. Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death, I will
fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and
your staff, they comfort me. You prepare
a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my
head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will
follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.
The David that wrote these beautiful words was a man who had
lived many days of life with his heavenly father. He had held the lowly
position of shepherd boy…and served as a mighty king. He had felt the goodness of the kings court…and
suffered the pain and agony of running...hiding from his enemies. God had been
teaching him how to have a heart just like him.
I had been anticipating all day that I would be reading the
23rd Psalm. It has always been one of my favorites…even one of the
few entire chapters I had memorized as a child….so I couldn’t resist seeing if
I still knew it by heart. My pen wrote word for word…leaving out only a few
phrases…the green meadows…the anointing of oil….the paths of righteousness…the
goodness and mercy that followed David forever.
David had built such a deep relationship with God that he
was able to explain it in these 6 short verses. He trusted the great shepherd
with his very life….and the contentment he felt from the leading of God in
green meadows…still waters…or darkest valley…defined his humble attitude of
praise for the things God had done for him.
He looked forward to the great feast that awaited him at God’s table in
Heaven…where he would live forever.
I couldn’t help but think that the phrases that had slipped
my memory had a message for me. Perhaps I lack experience in those areas…and
that is where I need to spend more time with God. I need to strive to be more positive
in this negative world we live….content with the season of life and
circumstance that God has placed me. I need to search more diligently for my anointing…his
call on my life to serve and be a shepherd to others. Perhaps I am sorely
lacking in righteousness…and need to pray for forgiveness…and mercy to learn to
follow him even deeper…and purge even more sin from my soul.
I know one thing for sure…this chapter of Psalms is still
one of my favorite all time scriptures. Its words speak of the great peace that
passes understanding that I can have if I cling to God…no matter what life
circumstances I find myself. It reminds
me that God loves me more than I love myself…and he will always be there ready
to help me…no matter what traps of satan I allow myself to fall into.
Father…thank you for reminding me that you are my shepherd…and
all I need in life is to follow you beside the waters of life…because whether your
hand leads me to a green pasture…or a dark valley …you are beside me every step
of the way…holding my hand. Help me to deepen my relationship with you…and hold
your hand a little tighter….so you can show me the next part of the path of
righteousness that will lead me to your purpose for me here on earth. Give me a vision of the table you have
prepared for me…when you call me home to live with you forever. Amen.
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