The 23rd Psalm for today
I have no idea what you are waking up to this morning. Who knows what each new day will bring? Our times are in His hands. God’s word is always a comfort and encouragement. I pray these thoughts on the 23rd Psalm will strengthen you.
THE LORD IS…
The Lord is my shepherd. Jesus is my guide today, and because He knows all things and never takes a wrong turn or chooses an impossible path for me. I shall not want. He is my unfailing source and supply, and He can handle every need today brings.
He makes me lie down in green pastures. Jesus provides quiet patches of nourishment and rest throughout the day. Keep your eyes and ears open for places provided to step aside and enjoy His rest. Nibble in the tender green grass and enjoy the provisions He generously and lovingly provides.
He leads me beside still waters. When Jesus sent His disciples to the other side of the Sea of Galilee and a great storm rose up against them, He spoke directly to the wind and the waves and said, “Peace, be still.” His voice will calm the raging rivers of relationships and command the competing call of the world, “be still.“
He restores my soul. My inner life is under constant restoration. I am weary and worn by my travels in this world. There have been seasons when I neglected to allow Jesus to guide me, and I took some turns that have been costly to my soul health. I am a work in process from now until I meet Him face to face. Today, I am yielding to the Master’s hand, and I am being restored to reflect His image deposited within me. It is far more glorious than my self-image, or one someone else has created for me.
FOR HIS NAME’S SAKE
Following Jesus today is going to be awesome because He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. He knows where we are going and how we are going to get there. His course will perfect His character in me. Jesus is my righteousness, and His ways are conforming me step by step. It’s not by works or effort on my part; it is by surrendering my life to His perfect and holy will. The name above all names, Jesus, is exalted over all the earth. He chooses to make His name known through you and me!
This stretch of your journey may be very dark and challenging. Sorrows and disappointments may threaten to snatch you from the path of righteousness. There have been times when I walked through the valley of the shadow of death and lost sight of Jesus. I felt as if He disappeared. Today I see a word to hold fast; I see a place to attach my heart when I’m in the valley. I will walk through this deep dark place. We are not stuck here in the pain, and the Good Shepherd has not left. What a relief, and what an encouragement!
Renewed strength and restoration to my soul can say, I will fear no evil; for You are with me. Always, everywhere, in anything and everything I have Jesus! He loves me, helps me, stays with me, and takes me onward. Your rod and Your staff comfort me. Your correction comforts me because it proves your commitment to my care.
Amid the chaotic world around me daily, I am invited to take my place at the table of the gracious host of heaven. You prepare a table for me in the presence of my enemies. As I bring the wounds and the scars of life in this world to Jesus, You anoint my head with oil. Healing flows from Your hand to my heart. My cup runs over because You are lavish and extravagant toward me. In You, I always have more than enough.
ALL THE DAYS OF MY LIFE
I can confidently declare that goodness and mercy are following me all the days of my life. The steps I hear behind me belong to the presence of the Lord in my life. He has my back covered with His goodness and mops up my path with mercy.
I’m on my way home. My destination is specific. I will dwell in the house of the Lord FOREVER!
You may have learned these words as a child or recite them as a part of your worship service every time you go to church. I pray you will take these beautiful words of the Psalmist and raise the comfort and care of the Good Shepherd over your life today.
