God Speaks
23 A psalm of David.
1 The Lord is my shepherd;
I have all that I need.
2 He lets me rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams.
3 He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.
4 Even when I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me.
5 You prepare a feast for me
in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
6 Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord
forever.
24 A psalm of David.
1 The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.
The world and all its people belong to him.
2 For he laid the earth’s foundation on the seas
and built it on the ocean depths.
3 Who may climb the mountain of the Lord?
Who may stand in his holy place?
4 Only those whose hands and hearts are pure,
who do not worship idols
and never tell lies.
5 They will receive the Lord’s blessing
and have a right relationship with God their savior.
6 Such people may seek you
and worship in your presence, O God of Jacob. Interlude
7 Open up, ancient gates!
Open up, ancient doors,
and let the King of glory enter.
8 Who is the King of glory?
The Lord, strong and mighty;
the Lord, invincible in battle.
9 Open up, ancient gates!
Open up, ancient doors,
and let the King of glory enter.
10 Who is the King of glory?
The Lord of Heaven’s Armies—
he is the King of glory. Interlude
Source: New Living Translation: BibleGateway.com
We Respond
Reflection: The 23rd Psalm is perhaps the best known of all the psalms. It is so familiar to most Christians and Jews that it barely needs explanation. It can be summarized in a few sentences. The LORD, my Shepherd, gives me everything I really need–food, water, rest, and His caring presence. He leads, guides, and restores me to what is right. This is not just for my benefit but for the sake of His name (reputation). His loving presence relieves my fears and comforts me even in the darkest of circumstances. He honors me in the presence of my enemies to the point of overflowing blessings. His mercy and lovingkindness will be with me always and forever as I stay close to Him.
Psalm 24: This psalm asks and answers some of the big questions of life: To whom does the earth and everything in it belong? It belongs to God because He built it. To whom do I belong? I belong to God because He made all human beings. Who can approach God? Only those with clean hands and pure hearts; not idol worshipers and liars. How can a person receive God’s blessing and worship Him properly? By opening the gate of one’s heart to the King of glory. Who is the King of glory? the LORD of Heaven’s Armies [That is Jesus Christ who died and rose to redeem all people and the Holy Spirit who cleanses and empowers those who respond.]
Prayer: Dear Good Shepherd, thank You for the 23rd Psalm. It is so familiar. I knew it even before I officially became a Christian. I declare, LORD, You truly are my Shepherd. You give me everything I really need–food, water, rest, and Your caring presence. You lead, guide, and restore me to what is right. This is not just for my benefit but for the sake of Your name (reputation). Your loving presence relieves my fears and comforts me even in the darkest of circumstances. You honor me in the presence of my enemies to the point of overflowing blessings. Your mercy and lovingkindness will be with me always and forever as I stay close to You. *I hereby open the gate of my heart to Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit so that I can properly approach the LORD God who is my rightful owner.
Action: (Ask God, the Holy Spirit, if He wants you to work on one of the suggestions below or something else more personal that He points out.)
- I will, like a pet lamb, nuzzle up next to the Shepherd by reading the Bible and talking with Him in prayer.
- I will, for at least a week, daily write down how my Good Shepherd has led, provided for, and protected me and thank Him for it.
- I will read the 23rd Psalm aloud daily for a month and take time to think about what I am reading.
- *I will open the gate of my heart to Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit so that I can properly approach the LORD God, my rightful owner.
*Note to Reader: Please pray this now for yourself, if it is the first time you have prayed such a prayer. If you have already done so, please help someone else to do it. Either way, please leave a comment, so that I can celebrate with you about a new life in Christ.
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