The Lord is my shepherd. I am never in need. He renews my soul. Your rod and staff give me courage. My cup overflows. I will remain in the Lord’s house for days without end.
Watching my children and my grandchildren grow I realize that we are all unique beings. I see the talents emerging of music, of sports of organization and how they spend their money. Some of these things I am very familiar with as I see them in myself or my spouse. Others you wonder where did that come from? It is an amazing puzzle of pieces put together in another human being made just right for this world.
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, 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 overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23
But we are made better if “the Lord is my shepherd”. Despite the complaints and frustrations with the changes in the world from increasing gas prices to wondering if the Toronto Maple Leaf’s can get past the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs (Go Leaf’s Go tonight!) to more serious concerns about millions of displaced Ukrainians God supplies all our needs. Joy is found in singing songs and worshipping together, my soul is renewed. I have the courage to look beyond the wants of this world and to live abundantly as my cup overflows with love for all I meet. And to be forever with the Lord, what a promise.
Read psalm 23 two or three times today and be refreshed. Certainly, goodness and mercy will stay close to me all the days of my life, and I will remain in the Lord’s house for days without end.”
Prayer: Thank you Father for being you and for loving all of me as you made me and your help in growing the good things in me and giving me a heart to serve others in your name. Amen.
CrossWalk 