My Shepherd

A psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; He leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to His name. (Psalms 23:1-3 NLT)

I often hear this Scripture quoted when someone is going through great struggles in their life.  It's quoted at funerals as a reminder that He will comfort us.  I find it interesting that it's the very next Psalm after the one we read yesterday - the Psalm Jesus quoted while on the cross.  He was in great agony that day.  He would have memorized large portions of Scripture.  He obviously knew Psalm 22, because he quoted it while hanging on the cross.  I wonder if his mind went to Psalm 23 next.

Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for You are close beside me. Your rod and Your staff protect and comfort me. (Psalms 23:4 NLT)

God is often described with the image of a shepherd.  A shepherd cares about his sheep.  A shepherd cares for his sheep.  A shepherd loves, protects, feeds, redirects, and leads his sheep.  A shepherd would be the kind of person worth following.  That is God.

You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely Your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever. (Psalms 23:5-6 NLT)

I don't need to remember Psalm 23 only when someone I love leaves this life or when I am in crisis.  I need to remember it every day.  When I remember this Psalm, I have all I need, rest in Him, my strength is renewed, and I bring honor to His name.  It doesn't matter what the world brings me that day, I am not afraid, I know I am protected, and I remember that my cup overflows with blessings.  It's amazing to see goodness and unfailing love pursuing me, because He pursues me ever day of my life.

When I remember this Psalm, I enjoy the Garden Walk.