Psalm 23 Devotion

A dear friend’s husband, also a dear friend, “graduated” into heaven. She requested that I read Psalm 23 with a twist at his celebration of life service. I hope this is what she meant. But first a reading of Psalm 23 NKJV

Vs 1 The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want -

Jesus is our guide, our protector, the provider of everything we need. We have no need to want for anything.

Vs 2a He makes me to lie down in green pastures; -

Jesus as our Shepherd makes us rest – do that in the days and weeks to come. Rest is important, so rest!

Vs 2b He leads me beside the still waters. -

David tended sheep in the desert. Waters in the desert are scarce – but when they are abundant, they are raging flood waters! When Jesus leads us, He leads us to experience his Living Water - calm, still, refreshing, deep.

Vs 3a He restores my soul; -

GOD’s Living water restores our very souls – not just as a good nap restores, but complete restoration of the soul.

Vs 3b He leads me in the paths of righteousness – For His name’s sake. -

We are led by and to Him, – restored to Him – FOR HIS NAME’S SAKE. For his purposes -in part for restoring others to Himself

Vs 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; -

because ..... our Almighty Shepherd, is with us; HIS rod and HIS staff, they comfort me. offering protection and a demonstration of God’s love for us.

Vs 5a You, God, prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; -

We will feast at the table God prepares....even when life feels heavy against us.

Vs 5b You anoint my head with oil; -

Jesus’s personal attention wards off trials and problems that pester and assail us. 

Vs 5c My cup runs over. -

Because God’s abundant provision is abundant to overflowing

Vs 6a  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; -

We experience goodness and mercy – every day of our lives – we may have to look for it, but we experience it most certainly. Thanks be to God.

Vs 6b  And I will dwell in the house of the Lord -

We, on this side of eternity and surely on our God-loving-loved one’s side, live in God’s fullness - completely and totally - we will dwell with God in His holy house Forever.

Amen