Devotion: Psalm 23 – Let the Lord be your shepherd
He would remember the "darkest valley" of the military campaigns and in fleeing for his life when King Saul was wanting to put him to death.
AMONG the most well-known passages of Scripture is Psalm 23 which begins with the words, “The Lord is my Shepherd”.
Tradition offers the author as King David and it is clearly written by someone who has experienced God’s love and care.
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As David writes he remembers his own days as a shepherd boy fighting off the bear and the lion.
He would remember the “darkest valley” of the military campaigns and in fleeing for his life when King Saul was wanting to put him to death.
But David would also remember the peaceful years of providence and blessing, “green pastures … quiet waters … he refreshes my soul. …You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.”
As David reflects on his life he concludes, “Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life.”
But the Psalm does not end here – the true marvel of this Psalm is in the closing verse, “… and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
David the successful military king who has defeated all his enemies. David whose every need is provided for. The King of Israel with an entire Kingdom at his bidding, is only asking for one thing: to be in the presence of his God, every day, and for an eternity.
Here is the same joy and assurance that God still desires for every person – to be in the presence of God, now and forever.
Be blessed to be God’s blessing,
ALAN BESTER
SCOTTBURGH/PENNINGTON METHODIST CHURCH
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