Our scripture this morning is Psalms 23:1-6.
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake. 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. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 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.
Sometimes when a lesson is very familiar it’s easy to just lose ourselves in the feeling that passage provides and not listen for new or deeper meaning. Psalm 23 is a great example of this. It is often read at funerals because it is comforting to remember God’s promise of provision and protection.
However, there is a lot to digest in this Psalm if we look at it carefully. It speaks of God guiding us to the “right paths for his name’s sake”. God has plans for us but we must accept them for ourselves. It may prove difficult but we don’t need to fear because He is with us.
The vow the psalmist makes to “dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long” should be our response as well. God accepts our commitment and His promise is that we may dwell with Him eternally. If we follow the Good Shepherd, we will never be lost sheep.
Loving Lord, we are grateful for Your care, leading us through troubled times. Help us to share Your love with all the world. Amen.
