Click here to read Psalm 23.
Just in case you may have a question, the readings are grouped in 5s for no other reason than 5 divides into 40 more easily than 7. So keep reading each day. Keep the journal going. You have almost made it through your first week. Keep going.
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This popular Psalm, read at funerals, offers comfort that the Lord is with us and protects us (The Great Shepherd and His sheep), ONLY if we can say "The Lord is MY shepherd". If we have not accepted His saving grace and claimed Him as our Savior, this Psalm does not apply. That is is really tragic when you think about funerals you may have attended where there was no evidence that the deceased had a relationship with the Lord.
ReplyDeleteTo add to the meaning of this Psalm, I read The Message translation.
"God, my shepherd! I don't need a thing.
You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from.
True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction.
Even when the way goes through Death Valley, I'm not afraid when you walk at my side.
Your trusty shepherd's crook makes me feel secure.
You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies.
You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing.
Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life.
I'm back home in the house of God for the rest of my life."
I love the thought of God chasing after me, to have a relationship with me, to shower me with His love. If I would only chase after Him, to have a relationship with Him, to shower Him with my love; - how incredible that would be.
I have some chasing to do.
Very cool, Rich... I have some chasing to do, too.
ReplyDeleteI also read another version (CEV) and liked verse 4. "I may walk through valleys as dark as death, but I won't be afraid. you are with me, and your shepherd's rod makes me feel safe."
How many times has the Lord used his rod to pull me out of a dangerous spot? I need to remember this every time I am afraid. He is with me- and loves me- even in the darkest valleys.
Help me, Lord, through the next few weeks. Help me, when I am afraid, to rest in the comforting arms of my Good Shepherd.
Choosing one verse from Psalm 23 is like cutting apart a work of art and only looking at one piece of it..it is such a beautiful and comforting picture to reflect on..imagine the scene if someone were painting this psalm.
ReplyDeleteThe mental image I get of sheep in a green pasture, with a rippling stream running through it, and the peace they feel, the bounty they enjoy, because they are perfectly assured that their shepherd is watching over them and all their needs are provided. Even if in the distant sky the clouds are forming, they remain satisfied that their Protector will see them through it..He will find them shelter. They trust that goodness and mercy will follow them all the days of their life. I pray for that assurance to settle deep into my soul, that I will not focus on the growing storms on the horizon, but on the Shepherd who stands over me.
I chose "He makes me rest in green meadows and leads me besides peaceful streams; he restores my soul."
ReplyDeleteI love this verse for two reasons: 1.The language the Psalmist uses really paints the ultimate picture of peace, calm and trust in the Lord. It reminds me of the importance of walking with God daily - being close to him really does renew my strength and restore my soul.
2. It depicts God's creation. How often do I completely ignore one of the most evident ways God shows his love to me? Yesterday, in the beautiful warm sun, I took a long walk in the woods. It reminded me of how much we can see God through his created world, whether that "green meadow" or "peaceful stream" or snow-covered pines and ice crystals on the window. I need to take time to thank God for his beautiful creation each day.
Whenever I read anything from Scripture that reminds me that 'the Lord is my Shepherd' I think about the Shepherd and sheep relationship. Let's face it, sheep are not the smartest animals around. Sheep are completely dependant upon their shepherd to keep them safe. They tend to wander. They have to be brought back into safety.
ReplyDeleteThis brings me to my life. No matter how much knowledge or experience I have, I am still one who, like the sheep, need the guidance, protection, wisdom of the Lord my shepherd. This Psalm is one we go to when we are afraid or feel out of control. My question to myself is am I taking everything to my Lord, my Shepherd when things are going right? How much do I depend upon 'the Lord my Shepherd' at this point in my life? My desire is to be as totally dependant upon my Shepherd as those sheep are of theirs. Each day I need to ask 'Have I taken this to the Lord or am I trying to do it in my own wisdom and strength?'
This is my favorite Psalm. I chose these three little words...my cup overflows.
ReplyDeleteMy grandfather died when I was three years old. I have no real memories of him. He lives on in my heart through all the stories my grandmother told. My grandmother told me the day I was born my grandfather looked at her and said "my cup overflows."
My grandmother was a faithful servant of God. It was inspiring to see her devote her life to serving God. When I hear Psalm 23 I picture my grandparents in the green pastures and know that I will see them again in the house of the Lord.
Dear Lord, I pray that I will fully experience all the special moments that you have in your plan for me. I know that you are in control of my life and I am grateful that my cup overflows with love for you.
I agree with Cindy. It is very difficult to pull one particular verse out as the entire psalm has brought me such comfort in difficult times. It is so interesting to me when I hear the psalm read at a funeral, because for me the psalm is very much about living. I have walked through the valley of death, and if it had not been for the Lord guiding me on the path of righteousness, I would have died there. I admit it -- I did fear the evil, but the Lord showed Himself to be with me and gave me the courage to continue through the valley despite my heavy fears. It is the last two verses that have been highlighted and underlined several times in my Bible . . . the promise that He faithfully delivered to me. Just last weekend at Eighth Avenue Pastor Keith asked the question during his sermon: Can you say at this time in your life that you are exactly where God wants you to be? And in that moment I felt "my cup overflowing" as the peace of being exactly where God planned for me to be was fully realized. He prepared a table for me in the presence of my enemies (He gave me a safe, joy-filled new life); He has anointed me with oil twice since coming out of the valley . . . my heart overflows in gratitude for the blessings He continues to pour over my family . . . and the fear is gone, replaced by peace, knowing that He did all this for me. And today I live this verse: "Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life" because I will dwell in His house forever. My prayer is for those who are lost and afraid in that valley. Dear Father: Make use of us who have made it out of the valley of darkness to illuminate Your path of righteousness and show the way to those who become stuck in the valley. Let us boldly testify concerning Your mighty works in our lives and bring the hope of Your promise to those who are lost. Amen.
ReplyDeletePsalm 23 has lead me through some of the deepest, darkest, most painful experiences of my life. Especially over the past two and a half years with the loss of my son. This verse reminds me of all that I have in Christ. Through these last couple of years I have turned Psalm 23: 1-4 into a personalized prayer:
ReplyDeleteJesus, You are my Shepherd, my Lord, my Savior; I rejoice in knowing that you provide all I need!
Here I am, Lord, lying face down before you in this quiet place.
You lead me by still waters and provide me with comfort and peace.
You refresh my body, mind and You restore my soul! YOU RESTORE MY SOUL!!!
You provide a safe and secure path for me – on it I will bring honor and glory and praise to You!
You are my comfort, Lord; at Your side I have nothing to fear. With your rod and your staff you guide me to the right path. I am at peace knowing you are here with me.
Thank you for bringing peace to my soul. AMEN
Anonymous – I loved your prayer for those who are stuck, lost and afraid in the valley. This is my prayer too. I believe that God uses all things according to His purpose. Jesus restores my soul so I can be a living example of Christ’s work in our lives!