Psalm 23
Scripture - What stood out?Psalm 23The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.Observation - What does it say?A psalm of David a shepherd and a man after God’s own heart. (I had to go KJV for this one. I will never forget verse 4. Thanks Coolio!)Understanding - What does it mean?For several days now I have been contemplating the fragility of the human spirit, its brokenness. And with all that our nation is dealing with, it has been easy for me to feel overwhelmed with emotion. Overwhelmed with ideas. Overwhelmed with...confusion. As I write this and as I read today’s bible reading I read from a place of deep emptiness. Sometimes my feelings of deep sorrow bring me to a place of deep apathy like that. Where it feels like there is this giant hole in my heart.
And so from that unpleasant place I called out to God. And He met me in Psalm 23.
I’m so lacking in - everything. You shall not want.I am broken - too. You shall be restored.I feel so empty - like everyone else. Your cup shall runneth over.
Life Application - How can I apply this to my life today?Thank you for reminding me who my shepherd is. Thank You for Your written word. Thank you for my church family. Thank you for your perfect timing.Lord, let me pay it forward. Please, send me to somebody who needs You. Use me to draw others to You. And may they experience You the way I do. As Amazing shepherd. Prince of Peace. God of Wonders. God of all comfort. God of Love.
In the name of Jesus,-kenneth lee