Day 25: Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd, I 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.
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.

You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
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.

With each moment of creation, God declared his work as good. The light is good. The land, the air, the seas and all of the animals and vegetation which fill them are good. Humanity, created in his image, is good. Fast forward to the deliverance of the Israelite slaves from Pharaoh, what we refer to as the Exodus. Here we find God bringing restoration and freedom out of his loving kindness.

That God brings goodness and unfailing love is an early understanding of the character of God. Moses and the people of Israel praise God by proclaiming,

“In your unfailing love you will lead

the people you have redeemed.

In your strength you will guide them

to your holy dwelling.” (Exodus 15:13)

This is the imagery we find in Psalm 23. God is our shepherd. What more do we need or desire than to be at home with him–with his goodness and loving kindness? The Lord, like in creation and the Exodus, cares, leads and guides His people.

How do you imagine God? Is he the present shepherd of Psalm 23 who guides, leads, and cares for us? Where, or to whom, do you run in times of darkness and opposition? Are you leaning into the refreshing and comforting presence of Lord?

We can trust the Lord, our Shepherd, who is with us. The good and loving presence of the Lord is true for us. “Surely his goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

Phil Starr | Student Ministry Pastor