| The Lord is my shepherd; I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes my soul. — Psalm 23:1–3 (NIV)No Psalm is better known or better loved than Psalm 23, which probably owes its origin (at least humanly speaking) to David’s boyhood years as a shepherd. But has it become so familiar to us that we have forgotten its riches?Look at the verses above. They tell us first of all that God is like a shepherd to us—guiding us, keeping us safe, protecting us from our enemies, giving us everything we need to sustain our lives. But they also hint at our tendency to wander and get in trouble, like the lost sheep in one of Jesus’ parables (see Luke 15:17). And so He “makes” us lie down in green pastures, and He “leads” us to quiet waters—things we might not do on our own.
What kind of “sheep” are you? Rebellious, prone to wander, resisting the gentle prodding of the Shepherd? Or gratefully submitting to His wisdom and His ways? Remember Jesus’ words: “I am the good Shepherd; I know my sheep and My sheep know Me” (John 10:14). * * * Your Turn Consider Dr. Graham’s questions above. What kind of sheep are you? In what ways is the Shepherd leading you? Leave a comment on our blog, and let us know how you are doing with your memorization of Psalm 23 this week! ~ Devotionals Daily
Memorize this Week
Psalm 23: The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, 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 your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. (NIV) |
Living Well on Less:
Image via Pexels Practical Tips for a Healthy Lifestyle on a Budget Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is often associated with high costs—organic food, gym memberships,
