The 23rd Psalm is one of the most beautiful passages in the Bible. So beautiful in fact, that it is known by heart by many who may not know other verses. It is a poem written from the heart of a shepherd, to one he saw as his! And it speaks to us of how wonderfully God cares for us in our lives. But this morning it said something a little more to me! It spoke to me of what happens when I take time to be still and connect with him! I love that there is always more...
23 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
(He's the one I know as my guide and carer! When I am near him I know I am where I belong. It feels safe and secure here)
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:
(He brings me to a place where I am filled and satisfied - where I can be at rest. Where I can nestle in to the softness of him.)
he leadeth me beside the still waters.
(He leads me to where my soul is still and quiet, so that I can drink in my fill of him!)
3 He restoreth my soul:
(He takes the ragged, broken pieces of who I am, battered with life's struggles, and gently molds them back together - until I feel whole and complete, and beautiful again.)
he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
(I want to be like him - like his beautiful spirit, but I sometimes don't do it well. Sometimes my own self gets in the way of who I want to be. Being near him changes the way I think, so I become more his way.)
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me;
(In this life, I know I deal with death and pain. But I'll never walk a moment of it alone! He reminds me that he has always been there for me - and will never leave me. His strength and comfort fills me here.)
thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
(His ways are good. I know that. I've spent much time thinking of his goodness and love in it all. His directions are for my protection and well-being. I've learnt to trust them.)
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:
(I might feel oppressed by things I'm dealing with in life, but here, with him, I am filled with the finest things! And I can let go of my worries to enjoy my time with him.)
thou anointest my head with oil;
(I am healed and honoured to be in his presence. He covers me with the perfectness of him.)
my cup runneth over.
(He gives me love and life, more than I will ever need! He gives me enough to overflow to those aroung me!)
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:
(He is the source of every good thing in my life. I deserve none of it - but he pours it out on me, because that is who he is. Being with him reminds me...)
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
(There is no other place I'd rather be. I choose him all the days of my life. And he's made a way that it will last forever!)
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