Memory – Psalm 23.1-6 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads 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.
Psalm 23 is a description of God’s steadfast love (Chesed) even though this common Hebrew word that is peppered throughout the Old Testament is not used in this Psalm. Chesed or Hesed (steadfast love) is a word that refers to God’s faithfulness, kindness, provision and love toward his children. Most often we become aware of God’s loving presence when we are or have recently experienced some rough patches in our lives. Such was certainly the case for King David who for much of his life faced life threatening dangers. Yet, even when he was running from his enemies (at one point his father-in-law Saul and his army) and hiding in caves he had the soul soothing sense of God’s call upon his life and that his every need would be met.
The Psalms of David often, if not always, focus on his relationship with God. His confidence that God’s mercy and goodness were a constant presence in his life. These few lines in Psalm 23 briefly encapsulate what he expands upon elsewhere. Reflect on this excerpt from Psalm 139 If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol (the place of the dead), you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me. If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night,” even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you.He closes Psalm 139 with lead me in the way everlasting; in a similar manner he closes Psalm 23 I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Central to living the Christian life of faith you want to be mindful of the hope you have in Christ (cf. Romans 5.1-8). This hope is based on the sure foundation of Christ’s love for you. In addition to the text I just referenced in Romans, you will find this theme of faith, hope and love repeated multiple times in the apostle Paul’s letters (e.g. Galatians 5.5-6; Ephesians 4.2-5; Colossians 1.4-5; 1 Thessalonians 1.3; 5.8). All this is a practical application of the steadfast love of God. God always provides what is needful to deepen our relationship with him. It may not seem pleasant at the time but as you persevere in your walk with him you will be rooted and established in your faith (cf. Colossians 2.6-7). When I pray in faith with a love for God I generally ask for what I want and endeavor to joyfully live with what I get. Augustine summarized the simplicity of the Christian life with this aphorism: “Love God and do what you want.” Love for God transforms the heart as you delight in him – recall your memory work on Psalm 37.4-6.
As you read the promises of God in Scripture insert your name; make it yours just at David did: Surely, goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
The Psalms of David often, if not always, focus on his relationship with God. His confidence that God’s mercy and goodness were a constant presence in his life. These few lines in Psalm 23 briefly encapsulate what he expands upon elsewhere. Reflect on this excerpt from Psalm 139 If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol (the place of the dead), you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me. If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night,” even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you.He closes Psalm 139 with lead me in the way everlasting; in a similar manner he closes Psalm 23 I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Central to living the Christian life of faith you want to be mindful of the hope you have in Christ (cf. Romans 5.1-8). This hope is based on the sure foundation of Christ’s love for you. In addition to the text I just referenced in Romans, you will find this theme of faith, hope and love repeated multiple times in the apostle Paul’s letters (e.g. Galatians 5.5-6; Ephesians 4.2-5; Colossians 1.4-5; 1 Thessalonians 1.3; 5.8). All this is a practical application of the steadfast love of God. God always provides what is needful to deepen our relationship with him. It may not seem pleasant at the time but as you persevere in your walk with him you will be rooted and established in your faith (cf. Colossians 2.6-7). When I pray in faith with a love for God I generally ask for what I want and endeavor to joyfully live with what I get. Augustine summarized the simplicity of the Christian life with this aphorism: “Love God and do what you want.” Love for God transforms the heart as you delight in him – recall your memory work on Psalm 37.4-6.
As you read the promises of God in Scripture insert your name; make it yours just at David did: Surely, goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
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