Happy Friday! Take some time to meditate once more on the first part of Psalm 23. Work on committing these words to memory. Share them with someone you know. Allow the Word of God to speak to you right where you’re at, no matter what your current circumstances.
Reflect
Read these verses slowly, meditating on each word. Ask the Spirit to speak to you through this Psalm.
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. (Psalm 23:1–3a)
If you had to summarize the message of these verses in a single sentence, what would you say? What does God do for us
What are you hearing God impress on you from these verses at this time?
Connect
The idea that the Lord is our Shepherd doesn’t originate with King David. Israel viewed Yahweh as their Shepherd long before that. It’s one of the images they closely associated with God – one of a caretaker, leader, and protector.
There is a powerful picture of the Good Shepherd in Isaiah 53. In this chapter Isaiah envisions a ruler who will suffer for the sake of his people. It’s a picture that we can readily associate with Jesus, the Messiah. In verse 6 the prophet says, “We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.”
Since the first humans ate from the forbidden tree, humanity has rejected Yahweh’s guidance and provision. Like the most stubborn and obstinate sheep, we have wandered beyond the boundaries that were erected to keep us safe. We think the grass will be greener, but the lush pasture we imagine outside of God’s loving care is an illusion. Beyond the fence is a barren wilderness of doubt, frustration, and pain.
Yet in his infinite mercy, our Shepherd sent his son to go after the lost sheep, and bring them home. He placed our sins upon Jesus’ shoulders so we could be made right with God. Jesus laid down his life for his sheep. Because Christ bore our sins, we can live freely and lightly under our Shepherd’s care.
Pray
Do you need refreshing today? Are you weary, depleted, spent? Go to the good Shepherd and ask him for what you need. Cast all your cares on him, because he cares for you (1 Peter 5:7). As you confess your worries and concerns to God, imagine yourself getting lighter and ready to soar.
