What A Wonderful God
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
In verdant pastures he gives me repose;
Beside restful waters he leads me;
he refreshes my soul.
He guides me in right paths
for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk in the dark valley
I fear no evil; for you are at my side
With your rod and your staff
that give me courage.
You spread the table before me
in the sight of my foes;
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Only goodness and kindness follow me
all the days of my life;
And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
for years to come. (Ps 23)
Psalm Twenty-three is a beautiful reflection about a God who is loving, trustworthy, and protective. All of which is our God!
The Old Testament people were a beleaguered people. They were constantly being overrun by enemies. They spent much of their days enslaved by their foes. They spent a great deal of time in lands that were not their own all the time praying for deliverance.
In many ways, they were a lot like us.
Oh, sure, we do not have to worry about being overrun by enemies or being enslaved or having a land of our own.
Or do we?
We have an enemy, a very powerful one.
The devil prowls the earth like a lion, ensnaring many people and turning them into his slaves. He deprives people of what they want and need most: God in their lives.
Our struggle is a constant struggle against sin and evil which is why our vision is very much like the people of the Old Testament. We look for deliverance from the foe.
God is the same God that delivered His people from the hands of their enemies. God is the same God who can deliver us as well.
We turn to God this day, asking Him to be with us, dedicating ourselves to Him this day, and asking forgiveness for the times we have not lived as His faithful people.
If we place ourselves in His hands, He will be our shepherd and we shall, indeed, want for nothing.
FAITH ACTION: As you pray today, reflect upon the words of Psalm Twenty-three. Allow yourself to feel the presence of God. Ask Him to be with you in all that you say and do this day.