Devotional #001

Psalm 23

I think Psalm 23 is one of the more commonly known psalms in existence today. The reason why I think it's so well read is because it has a little bit of sweetness for every soul: for the busy soul, "...he makes me lie down." For the souls burnt out from schedules and work, and all the prickly parts of life, "He restores my soul."

After reading the sweet reassurances of Christ from this passage, it's hard not to take a deep breath and say yes, God has restored me!

In the first verse, we see God claiming himself our Shepherd. Not only does this mean that He guides us, but that He also feeds us, and leads us to refreshing water; He protects us from danger and rights us when we, like helpless sheep, fall on our backs and can't get up. How greatly we need a shepherd like He!

He also shows us in verse two how His own creation (nature) can be a remedy for our souls, a way of returning to the same heartbeat of Christ himself, and relaxing ourselves into the palm of Christ. He keeps out all alerts from our phones, messages from our bosses, and distractions from our daily lives so that we can be with Him and enjoy Him. This is His rest.

Not only does He promise these things will restore our soul, He also promises that He will actively guide us into the future, partaking with us as we traverse step by step through the path He has before us. It gives His name glory that He would do such a great thing.

With such a mighty force by our side, we can "walk through the valley of the shadow of death [and] fear no evil". That means that while we face a health condition, we know that God is beside us at all times, or even while facing loss and grief and everything the world would try to use to separate us from our Great Shepherd. He uses his rod and staff, two items which protect and guide a flock, to do so to His children.

In victory, God hosts a great feast in front of His enemies to celebrate His glory and his children. His protection, guidance, glory, victory, and love are all so great that they fill the guests' cup--it over flows, a measure too much for us. We can't contain how much the Lord pours onto us.

We lastly get to see the assurance of our futures, that goodness and mercy will follow us for all our days. Now, goodness and mercy do not directly translate to wealth, health, and prosperity, but it is a promise that God will not go against his people, and He will be merciful to those who love and obey Him. These are reassurances that will last forever.

1. After reading the passage, what things came to mind that might be keeping you from lying down in green pastures, beside still waters?

2. What does the valley of the shadow of death look like in your life right now?

3. How have you seen God use his rod (protection) and staff (guidance) in your life right now?

4. What would change in your life if you felt the overflow that David describes in v. 5?