When I was in grade school, I had a teacher who had us memorize the 23rd Psalm. I attended a public school, but this teacher (who was obviously a believer), “snuck” this in during a unit on poetry. I am so grateful that this Psalm was moved into my memory at such a young age.
This morning, some 30 plus years later, I find myself reading the 23rd Psalm and meditating on its meaning for me today.
“The LORD is my Shepherd; I have all that I need…” (Psalm 23:1) God is my protector. He is my guide. He gently leads me. He always knows exactly where I am. God knows my needs and He fills them. He provides all I need to be a part of His flock. He has created an intimacy with me, so that like a sheep, I am able to recognize His voice calling to me – directing me. In Him, I have all that I need.
“He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to His name…” (Psalm 23:3) In my exhaustion, the LORD is my strength. My strength is not what determines my success in the day-to-day matters. It is His strength that carries me. Like a lamb riding on the shoulders of the Shepherd, so I picture God carrying me through my times of weakness. God not only provides me with strength, He leads me along the righteous path. God will show me and encourage me to choose the paths that lead to Him – that He chose in advance for me. Along that path may my life and the fruit of it honor Him. May others see God’s guidance and the strength He provides despite my circumstances – and may it bring all honor and attention back to the One who provides it.
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me…” (Psalm 23:4) I will walk through tough times. The journey through this life will not be without dark valleys. Yet in the midst of them, I have no reason for fear to overtake me. I will never face the darkness alone. My Shepherd will be going before me. He will lead me through. His presence will provide me protection for the journey, and will bring me comfort. I will not live in the dark valley. I will not stay there, lost. For the Shepherd knows the way, and the Shepherd remains close to me.
“Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever.” (Psalm 23:6) Over and over your word stands out to me: “Your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me…” I am being pursued by the author of love! Your thoughts and actions toward me stem from your goodness and your love for me! You shower me with both. There is nowhere I can go to hide from your presence. Your love for me is not fleeting. You are continually pursuing me for the entirety of the life you give me. Every day. And when my time comes to leave this world: even there you have provided a place for me to live in your home, forever!
May I never forget the power of this Psalm. May I never forget the love that it holds for me – the reminders of God’s provision and kindness toward me. Despite my flaws, and my sinful nature – my tendency like a sheep to go astray, or step off the right path – God is gently and lovingly leading me. And when it’s needed, even carrying me!
What a Shepherd! What a friend! What a Savior!
Blessings!