We Know Who Loves Us – Psalm 23

A text – Psalm 23

23:1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want.
23:2 He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters;
23:3 he restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake.
23:4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff– they comfort me.
23:5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
23:6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD my whole life long.

A reflection:

This psalm of David is so beautiful that people have been memorizing it for thousands of years. Have you ever memorized it? You will be glad if you do. Memorizing it commits the caring nature of your God into your conscious mind. I think it helps.

Look at what God does: God makes us rest in comfortable places. God brings us near to what we need. God restores our soul! God leads us to the places we need to be because we are God’s children. God accompanies us in the darkest times and places. God honors us, even when our enemies are nearby, and they see our contentment. As a result, we are confident; we know our future, and it is with God.

Memorizing this psalm is a way of praising God for all the good gits we have been given, and it is a way for us to calm our anxieties and fears so that we can continue to do the work we are given to do. Think of it as refueling. Or banking some resources. God does not leave us without what we need. But to appreciate that fact, we have to notice it and thank God for it.

A prayer:

Lord God, Thank you for loving us. Thank you for making us your own and leading us as a shepherd. Help us always to remember how good you are to us and have been to our ancestors for generations. Help us to be confident in your love and care and always know our future is with you.  Amen.