Psalms Reading – 1.22.2022
Psalm 23
A psalm of David.
1 The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.
This is the most well-known psalm of all. It has been memorized by many. It has brought comfort to countless grieving people as it has been read frequently at funerals. It is a beautiful description of how God lovingly relates to His people throughout life’s ups and downs.
David made the faith statement that we know the Lord is our personal Shepherd when we do not want for more. We are completely satisfied with what God has given.
God leads us to those soul-refreshing places that are envisioned by the abundance of green pastures and the serene stream where we can easily drink from His endless supply of living water.
As our Shepherd, he leads us along the right path as revealed in His word and by His will. He guides us along in His fascinating story of redemption for the glory of His holy name.
And when we walk through the darkest valleys of life, guess what? God is right there with us! We need not fear. As a shepherd uses his rod of protection and staff of comfort, so God does the same for us in the dim dark places we can easily find ourselves.
Even when opposition surrounds us, it is there that God provides generously what we need. He anoints us with the oil of His Holy Spirit, so much so, our hearts are overwhelmed with God’s presence within us. The promise we can cling to is that God’s goodness and love chase after us each day, every day of our lives, until we safely arrive and dwell in God’s eternal home.
Memory Verse:
Psalm 19:14, May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.
Question(s) to Consider:
What images of God as your Shepherd stand out for you? How does this psalm speak into your heart today? How does God refresh you?