The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
I shall not want. God, the ruler of the universe, not only cares about each of my needs but has the power to do something about it. He cares for me like a shepherd cares for his sheep.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
- Credit: Laurie Andrews
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
I don’t know about you, but I could sure use some still waters and green pastures and a restored soul. Sometimes it’s hard to hear God in our culture with all the noise. Turn off the devices and sit at His feet. He promised to fill you and restore you.
He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
He will lead me! What a comforting promise. I don’t have to figure it all out. He’s already got it figured out and He’s going to show me. What a wise and kind Shepherd.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Trials come. Some big and some small. There is no need to fear though. GOD is with us!! He is comforting us. Run to the Creator – not the created things. Romans 1:25 “They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised.” Food, friends, alcohol, TV – all of them will not satisfy. It’s like putting a Band-Aid on when you need surgery. Run to the Surgeon. He’s waiting with open arms to comfort you.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
God lavishes blessings on us. So much so our cup is overflowing. I find that when I’m walking through the dark valleys of life, pausing to look up and see those blessings helps my perspective.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life
When I was a kid I thought it was two girls, Surely Goodness and her friend Mercy. Lame, 
I know. I’m glad it’s not just a couple of girls running around me my whole life. God is saying He is giving us goodness – things that are good, things that are excellent, and mercy -His kind heart is willing to not give us what we deserve. Are you getting this? God wants to give you good things.
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Does it get any better than this? I don’t think so. Forever. That’s not like a nice week vacation in His house – or even an extended stay for a few months. Nope. Not even a few years. God – our creator – is offering for you and me to come and spend eternity with Him in His house. Whoa! Eternity? In God’s house? Stop and think about how long eternity is. Did you do it? Can you get your mind around it? Me either. And we are talking about God here. Not the President or some other high ranking official. God. I can’t wait to see what God’s house looks like. I hear the streets are gold. And we can go there – forever!
Let’s recap:
- I have a shepherd who is watching over me.
- I don’t need to worry or want for anything. He’s taking care of it.
- He’s giving me green pastures and still waters to help quiet my soul.
- He is showing me the right paths to take.
- When the dark days come, I don’t have to fear. He’s right with me and will comfort me.
- My life is overflowing with blessings because He gives bountifully.
- Goodness and mercy are following me all day every day.
- I get to live forever in God’s house.
I’m in awe of a Creator who loves and cares so tenderly for His children. I just want to bow down and worship Him.
Brought tears to my eyes… and Tory caught me crying. Thank you.
Love you, my friend. Praying God’s strength carries you through.