Our scripture this morning is Psalm 23.
[1] The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. [2] He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. [3] He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. [4] Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. [5] You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. [6] Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
This psalm of David recounts a wealth of blessings in just a few verses. The opening is enough in itself – “the Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” Those who place their trust in God can live in the confidence of His promise.
We read that God wants to lead us to “green pastures” and “still waters”, a peaceful existence with Him. However, because we have allowed sin to enter the world, we see evil face to face and dark times and places will confront us. We are not promised an easy life, but that a life in God will be better than anything we could do by ourselves.
Jesus tells us that He is our Good Shepherd (John 14) and that He will do what is necessary to save us if we follow Him. His love goes with us always through the presence of the Holy Spirit, and God’s promise to us is eternal. We are all invited to “dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
Loving Lord, we are ashamed of the times we have followed our own ways instead of the paths of righteousness where You lead us. Forgive us and bless us to carry the joy of salvation everywhere. Amen.
