Psalm 23

Psalm 23. Old faithful. The one that even the non-Christian can probably recite. It's short. It's concise. It is FULL of promise.

This morning, I took some time to re-read Psalm 23 for probably the 500th time. Before, dear reader, I elicit the idea that I am a faithful Bible student/quiet time attendee, let me say that this morning's quiet time was my first in about two weeks. An issue in itself, but also the truth. Anyway, I sat down to read Psalm 23. I turned to this Psalm because, as I said in the intro, it is old faithful. I know it by heart, but reading the words from a page is so much more meaningful to me [think holding a book vs. reading one on your electronic device]. I realized as I read, that this short, six verse passage is full of hope! And not only hope but specific. . . gifts . . . if you will. Here's what I mean.

The Psalmist lists out what he receives or experiences as he walks with his Shepherd. Below is the passage written out with each received item underlined so you can really see the picture.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want (no lack). He makes me to lie down (rest) in green pastures; He leads be beside the still waters (calm). He restores my soul; He leads me in the path of righteousness for His name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will not fear evil; for you are with me (presence); Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me; you prepare a table before me (provision) in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over (abundant anointing). Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house (shelter/covering) of the Lord forever" (NJKV).

I mean, dang. I can relate to a need for all of those promises that the Psalmist points out. Lets break it down even further. Here are the promises in list form:

• no lack
• rest
• calm
• restoration
• righteousness
• no fear
• HIS presence
• comfort
• provision
• abundant anointing
• goodness
• mercy
• shelter/covering

Let me say this: all of these promises are received by the one who is being led by, and following, the Shepherd. I say "and following" because there is a difference in being led, and choosing to follow. The believer who is choosing to follow, is desiring a relationship. This is the the person who shows up. Who converses. Who is interested, willing, and ready to be led. Application point? 

-> I need to WANT a relationship with my Shepherd, and then SHOW UP and LISTEN as he leads <-

A lot of the time, this is my issue. I do want to have a relationship with Christ. I want to be in communion with him. I want to be reminded of the promises that I have as a believer. But, the issue is in my follow-through with my relationship. As a wife, if I only stood at the altar and said "I do," but never came home, never went on dates, never talked with my husband, well we all know that my marriage would quickly crumble and I would end up out of that relationship. So too with Christ. I can't simply just say, "I do" to a relationship with him. James 2:19 says, "You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe - and tremble!" We cannot simply say that we believe in God, or that we are Christians, or that we are "good people." No! The promises listed above are received by those who are willing to say "I do" and then follow through. This looks like the willingness to be led by the still waters; the desire to be led by the rod and the staff and be comforted; the readiness to sit at the table, in the presence of my enemies, and be provided for and protected. 

The promises that we receive from God as we choose to be in relationship with him, do not make us untouchable to catastrophe. Rather, they allow us to KNOW that we are cared for in the midst of heartache, brokenness, and unsure outcomes. 

So, dear reader, what does your relationship look like? Are you showing up? Are you communicating? Are you being led? Let me be the first to say that I am asking myself the same questions. I've got a lot of work to do, but I want to do it. It is so very worth it, as the end result will only draw me closer and closer to Christ.