Scripture
“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.” (Psalm 23:1-6)
Observation
One of the most well-known and recited psalms; Psalm 23 depicts God’s complete love, guidance, protection, provision and blessing. He provides abundant provision (green pastures), that He is our guide, refreshes our souls; even in our most challenging times so that we need not fear what may be upon us, but equips and arms us, as well as provides for our needs (prepares a table) and anoints us, having the blessing and honor to live in a relationship with Him...this is complete love and guidance. Knowing all that David contended with, I can see how these scriptures would come forth from His relationship and interaction with God as a gift to others.
Application
The words of Psalm 23 indeed refresh my soul and remind me of how omnipotent and powerful the God almighty is, and how these attributes from God are mine. As I recite the scriptures, I can recall vivid scenes of how He can, has, and does manifest each word into His faithfulness. The key is that we remember, recall, reach out to His word and these attributes in times of need and times of praise. I want to not just be a hearer of these words, but a receiver, and therefore a doer of these words.
Prayer
Dear Lord, I pray to keep this psalm readily available and close to my heart; as it brings peace, hope, assurance, and confidence in who you are to, in, and through me.
