Usually when I get some free time I like to pop open the Word and begin reading. I like to imagine that the page the bible opens to is what i'm guided to read. Last night was Psalm 23. I've read this many times before but reading it last night meant a bit more to me. I guess I dug a bit deeper into something i've learned to memorize but not fully understand.
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.
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.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.
As a child, having this memorized was a pretty neat thing since it was "so long" lol but they were just empty words. Check out all those great things the Lord does for me! He's my shepherd! I'll have all my needs met! He makes me rest, guides me to where He wants me to be...and on and on and on....I had fun marking up my bible with all those great words of his presence in my life.
As I read each verse slowly...I got to thinking....
He MAKES me lie down , he LEADS me, he GUIDES me....wow, strong words. I'm picturing a loving Father who just wants his child to do right. And there's a child who is kicking and screaming and pulling in the other direction. Why would anyone have to MAKE someone lie down in green pastures? or LEAD them besides still waters, that sounds like a perfect vacation to me! Yet, here I am trying to rush through life, trying to "get through" the day. Not enjoying the wonderful "green pastures" and "still waters" that the Lord has provided for me to enjoy, to take in, to refresh myself. Seeing as how a shepherd knows more about his sheeps needs, than the sheep itself, its safe to assume my Shepherd knows more about my needs than I do.
I can't imagine what it would be like, or how I would feel if I just went one day...yes...ONE DAY...cooperating with what He has planned for me each day. Not only would I be rested and refreshed, but I would be physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually restored! Just the idea of what that would feel like gives me tingles way down to my toes!! Makes me want to shout! YIPPPEEE!!
In my prayers today I will pray that I am not MADE to do anything and that I go willingly, happily and without constraint to wherever He wants me to be.
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