Living the 23rd Psalm - Day 10

Prevailer - Thou preparest a table for me in the presence of mine enemies.



I’ve pondered over this one for quite some time. Were I to be set amid those I’d consider my enemies, even with the Lord’s protection, I’m not sure I’d have the stomach to sup. Most of my enemies are of my own making – I’ve pushed some away and avoided others I’d rather not befriend. Somehow, I don’t feel that is how Christ would want me to behave. So has He prepared the table for me to sit in front and ABOVE them, or to sit WITH them, perhaps to make them enemies no more? And then I have to face who the Lord considers my enemies. I’m sure I’d be staring at someone I value or something I treasure. For the Lord says, Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. Matthew 7:14. Yet I am comforted in knowing He delivers me from my enemies. You also lift me up above those who rise against me; You have delivered me from the violent man. 2 Samuel 22:49

Living the 23rd Psalm - Day 9

Pacifier - Thy Rod and Thy Staff, they comfort me


Have you ever thought about a shepherd’s staff? On one end is the rod that can push apart or separate the flock as needed. On the other, a crook to gather in a stray from the fold. No matter what direction I might go on my own, He is there to Push me onto the correct path or Pull me in from a dangerous precipice. When I slip, He lifts me up and dusts me off. Shepherd Your people with Your staff, The flock of Your heritage… Micah 7:14

Living the Lord's Prayer - Day 8

Preserver - I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me.

Do we really believe that? With so much hurt and hatred in our physical world, can we really let go of our fears? Does this promise mean bad things can’t happen to me? We all know that is not the case. We all suffer losses – of family, home, job. But the larger question is – ARE WE LOST? With Christ as our Shepherd, we know we can never be lost, never stray too far from His gentle guiding Hand. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

Living the 23rd Psalm - Day 7

Pressure Reliever - For Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death

In the Judean Wilderness there is a dry riverbed winding down into the valley to Jericho, called the Wadi Kelt. This might be considered the "Valley of the Shadow of Death" for along its path, it is steep and treacherous. One must choose one’s footing very carefully to keep from tumbling off the path and over the rugged cliff. Can you imagine guiding a flock of sheep along this terrain, ever vigilant for not only your charges but for yourself? For He shall give His angels charge over you, To keep you in all your ways. In their hands they shall bear you up,Lest you dash your foot against a stone. Psalm 91:11-12

Living the 23rd Psalm, Day 6

PETITIONER - He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.

He doesn’t make us go, He doesn’t push us down His Path – He walks ahead and encourages us to follow Him. His Path is paved with Good and Ethic stones, bordered by Sound Judgment and Genuine Love. It’s a road we don’t have to walk, but by following Him, the Way is made clear and our steps will be sure and firm. I will guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble. Proverbs 4:11-12

Living the 23rd Psalm, Day 5

PHYSICIAN - He Restoreth My Soul

How does He do that? For me, my soul is reborn each time I see a field of stars or the nearly full moon tipping over a bed of low clouds. The song of a bird floating by or the chimes jingling in His soft breeze. The majesty of a mountain, the lull of the ocean. He is all around me, all the time. When that does not seem to penetrate my darkness, he places people in front of me, Angels on earth, who by their very nature restore my faith in humankind. My family blesses and nurtures my spirit and my soul just by their very being. Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 5:22-24

Living the 23rd Psalm, Day 4

PEACE-GIVER - He leadeth me beside the still waters

Oh, that I could be a happy-go-lucky sheep, with no worries because my Gentle Shepherd perceives my every need. I need rest, He gives me a pasture; I need water, He leads me to a place where I might sip without being carried off by a rushing current. What did I ever do to deserve such care and concern? What can I do to ever repay this service? Let him trust in the name of the Lord and rely upon his God. (Isaiah 50:10)