Today my cousin Jordan brought the message at church. He spoke from Psalm 23, one of the most familiar passages in the Bible.
Sometimes, the familiar loses its power.
We become almost immune to the words.
He talked about how these words were depicted on cross-stitches and in paintings, of a meek and mild Jesus cradling a lamb, with a piteous look on His face.
As He read through the passage from the KJV, I had the NIT pulled up on my phone.
I quickly grabbed my journal I use for notetaking on Sunday mornings and jotted down the comparisons. I'll share below.
Jordan spoke about the role of a shepherd and how he served a specific need. He reminded us that David wrote from an area of experience, as he was a shepherd.
Sheep are not the smartest animals. They often wander off, they try to go places they are physically unable to reach, they can't even find their way in their own pen at night, for goodness sake! They are prone to attack by predators because they are so easily fooled.
But the Shepherd is there to lead them, guide them, feed them, provide for them, protect them.
He then specifically talked about how God made a table for us in the presence of our enemies. If you want to think in terms of sheep, it's like a sheep is grazing in a green pasture, and there's a wolf standing there salivating on the other side of a see-through fence. He's there, but he can't get to the sheep. Most likely, in the case of the sheep, they aren't even aware that the wolf is there, because they are in the presence of their protector, the Shepherd. so they can graze peacefully.
We aren't quite like that. A lot of times I focus on my "enemy" (the obstacles in my way) and can't even enjoy all of the blessings God has provided. Jordan likened it to us actually inviting our enemy to pull up a the table and have a seat. I've been guilty of that. Too often, I allow my peace to be snatched away because I'm focusing on all that is wrong with my situation. Jordan reminded us that Jesus has never said, "I don't know." The enemy of our souls comes to our table prepared with lies- lies like the other table looks better, or we aren't good enough to sit at the table, or we aren't going to make it (how often have I felt that one in recent years???)... but our situation does not change God's promises, and He promises that He will never leave us nor forsake us. He goes before, protects from behind, and covers us under His wings. In this world we will have trouble but we are to take heart, because He has overcome the world.
Read that again. YOUR SITUATION DOES NOT CHANGE GOD. There is nothing too big or small, nothing too hard, nothing too stupid, nothing too challenging. (See Romans 8)
He works all things for our good (Romans 8:28) for His glory. I forget that. I get focused on how bad the hard thing feels, and the next thing I know I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place, just like a sheep that has wondered off.
How often have I been like a sheep gone astray! If you, like me, need a refreshing, take a few minutes to soak up these promises. And remember this. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, left the fold of 99 to save 1. That's you. That's me.
Psalm 23- listen here to hear my favorite podcasters share Psalm 23. Or click here for a previous blog post on Psalm 23... but take a few minutes to read through my notes of the KJV and the NLT. Soak in His words. His promises.
The Lord is my Shepherd. I shall not want (I have all that I need).
He maketh me to lie down (lets me rest) in green pastures (meadows).
He leads (guides) me beside still waters (peaceful streams)
He restoreth my soul (renews my strength)
He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness (He guides me along right paths)
for His Names sake (bringing honor to His name)
yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death (even when I walk in the darkest valley)
I will fear no evil (I will not be afraid)
Thou art with me (You are close beside me)
Your rod and staff, they comfort (protect) me
You prepare a table before me in the presence of mine enemies
You anoint my head with oil; my cup runneth over (overflows with blessings).
Surely your goodness and mercy (unfailing love) will follow me (pursue me) all the days of my life
and I will dwell (live) in the house of the Lord forever.
(Picture is from my HCSB translation Bible. I especially like the verse "He renews my life.")
Blessings to you, friend. <3
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