JEANIE JURA | Eternally Alive in Christ
This week I want to share some insights from Psalm 23 that have blessed me. Some time ago I watched a video of a lady sharing what she loved about the psalm, and I no longer remember who she was. Yet I continue to find the implications of these verses that I learned from her to calm me as I live my life.
My prayer is that those who are living through questioning or leaving Adventism and then becoming established in a Christian community while also relearning their worldview will find reassurance from this psalm.
Psalm 23 is often the first set of verses a child will memorize. It is a beautiful poem of praise to the Lord and reflects the watching care a shepherd takes for the sheep he tends.
As we mature and grow in faith and wisdom, we become able to see deeper into the Bible to find meanings that were hidden from our eyes before. These insights were not hidden to keep us from understanding, but they hidden as beautiful nuggets of truth that God opens to us as we grow in Him.
A psalm that is very simple on the surface, so that even a child can get its simple meaning, will blossom into a much deeper meaning that delights the adult mind and soul.
Such is the 23rd Psalm, written with a shepherd’s heart for the sheep in his care. Here are 17 such nuggets that are beautiful promises from God.
Psalm 23
The LORD is my shepherd
- There is relationship. I am His, and He personally takes care of me.
I lack nothing
- There is supply. He has and provides everything I need. I do not need to worry about how I will survive.
He makes me lie down in green pastures
- There is rest. He calms my heart and reminds me to rest in Him because He is working for me.
He leads me beside quiet waters
- There is refreshment. A good shepherd knows his sheep cannot drink from rushing streams; so my Shepherd leads me to situations where I can be refreshed, away from disruption and clamor.
He refreshes my soul
- There is healing. He reminds me to trust Him and to let Him heal the pain of loss and hurt in my heart.
He guides me along the right paths
- There is guidance. The Lord guides me by His Spirit and His word and brings me the work He created for me to do.
For his name’s sake
- There is purpose. The Lord guides me for His glory. My life is part of His eternal plan.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley
- There is testing. Even loved sheep experience pain, sickness, betrayal, and death.
I will fear no evil
- There is protection. Even when I suffer, my shepherd protects me from destruction and unbelief.
For you are with me
- There is faithfulness. My shepherd never leaves me, even when I cannot see past my suffering.
Your rod and your staff, they comfort me
- There is discipline. My Shepherd pulls me away from danger and protects me from deceptive enemies.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies
- There is hope. My enemies cannot destroy me; my shepherd provides for me in front of them, even when they threaten my life.
You anoint my head with oil
- There is consecration. My Shepherd soothes my wounds and confirms I am His to bring Him glory.
My cup overflows
- There is abundance. My Shepherd gives me more than survival; I have more than I can ask or think.
Surely Your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life
- There is blessing. Nothing can separate me from the goodness and love which He has for me.
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD
- There is security. I am not a stray sheep; no matter what happens, I belong to Him and live in His presence.
Forever
- There is eternity. Death does not separate me from my shepherd nor does time. Because I am His, my life with Him now is only the beginning of my eternal intimacy with Him. †
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