Day 21: Psalm 23
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.
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Psalm 23, one of the most beautifully written and best loved scriptures, speaks hope and life to us. Young children memorize it, and adults often recite it on their deathbeds.
David probably wrote this very personal Psalm later in his life. I can testify to these words as I look back to when I accepted Christ as a young boy. I see how my Shepherd supplied spiritual nourishment–green pastures and quiet waters–by providing mentors who helped me grow as a Christian as they loved me and taught me to serve Him and others.
My Shepherd has provided wise guidance over my 70- plus years. Mountaintop experiences or trials, I now see God’s hand as He prepared me for my future. I pray that my life reflects Him so He will receive the glory.
As God leads and walks beside us, He is our strong defense in times of trouble. He has been an ever present help to me through spiritual and physical battles.
I thank God for His anointing, the gift of the Holy Spirit. He fills our lives with His fruit as we surrender to Him. Our generous God showers His blessings upon us so they may spill over into others’ lives. “My cup runneth over.”
The saying goes, “I now have more years behind me than ahead of me.” I look forward to God’s ultimate blessing when I will one day sit at a table prepared for me and fellowship with my Savior; and “I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
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Terry Ayers | Pastoral Care Pastor