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Psalm 23 has long been the most popular and well known of the Psalms from the Christian Scriptures. Across countless generations Christians have held these words dear, finding strength and comfort in them through difficult times.
The LORD is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.
Yea, 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.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD
Forever.
I was reading this Psalm recently and was struck for the first time with a hint of the power with which these words have spoken to the hearts of countless Christians before me. As I read these words it suddenly occurred to me: truly, it is this Shepherd who can supply my heart's desire - my heart desires the green pastures, the still waters, a restored soul.
Though I often forget what it is that I want, in this Psalm I am reminded. It is not all the 'stuff' that we are told comprises the good life that I truly want; instead it is that which I cannot purchase that satisfies my wants, that which the Shepherd brings me... the restoration of my soul.
At times I may forget what my heart desires; but thankfully, there are also times when I am reminded. I attribute these reminders to the good Shepherd who guides me to those still waters. When my heart is heavy, when my soul is weary, it is to Him that I can turn to for peace, comfort, and restoration.
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Hello Tyler;
ReplyDeleteThank you for another insightful 'musing'.
Psalm 23 also has deep meaning for me.
I was sitting at my father's bedside reading Psalm 23 to him as he slipped away and joined his Shepherd. I am truly blessed to have been with my father at this peaceful yet heart wrenching time.
Susan