Recently, I was reading a very familiar psalm. I know it by heart. Many of you who grew up in a Christian home can recite Psalm 23 without a pause. But, that day, it was different. I didn't quickly brush through the well-known verses, which I was tempted to do. But I took the time to slowly read the six verses. Here are some things that stood out to me that day:
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. - God is our shepherd who takes care of our every need. It means just that - 'every' need. He knows what you need physically, emotionally, spiritually and any other 'ly' you can think of, so that you would lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. How pleasant and sweet those words sound! Who doesn't want to be in such beautiful places? Green pastures, quiet waters and refreshed - I want to be there! Yes, all the time. Notice the first part. 'He makes me lie down...' When He makes you, just lie down and be still. Store up all the energy you can. You might need it later in the journey.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley. This is nothing like the earlier part, where everything was peaceful and perfect! Darkness and valley aren't good places to be. Wouldn't it be good if they were eliminated from our path, altogether? Of course. But we all know that's not the way life is.
I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Oh wait! It's not so scary, after all! 'Not perfect' doesn't have to mean 'not peaceful'. We can be in the darkest place, and yet be comforted and courageous. But, how is it possible? The key is that the Lord Himself is with us. In the height or depth, He never leaves. In the green pastures, He is there, leading me and refreshing my soul. In the valley, He is there, comforting me.
Whether I will be in the green pastures or the dark valley, I don't know. I will probably be travelling through both. But, one thing I know - He is with me. What an assurance!
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. - God is our shepherd who takes care of our every need. It means just that - 'every' need. He knows what you need physically, emotionally, spiritually and any other 'ly' you can think of, so that you would lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. How pleasant and sweet those words sound! Who doesn't want to be in such beautiful places? Green pastures, quiet waters and refreshed - I want to be there! Yes, all the time. Notice the first part. 'He makes me lie down...' When He makes you, just lie down and be still. Store up all the energy you can. You might need it later in the journey.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley. This is nothing like the earlier part, where everything was peaceful and perfect! Darkness and valley aren't good places to be. Wouldn't it be good if they were eliminated from our path, altogether? Of course. But we all know that's not the way life is.
I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Oh wait! It's not so scary, after all! 'Not perfect' doesn't have to mean 'not peaceful'. We can be in the darkest place, and yet be comforted and courageous. But, how is it possible? The key is that the Lord Himself is with us. In the height or depth, He never leaves. In the green pastures, He is there, leading me and refreshing my soul. In the valley, He is there, comforting me.
Whether I will be in the green pastures or the dark valley, I don't know. I will probably be travelling through both. But, one thing I know - He is with me. What an assurance!
