About Me

North Central College graduate, BA in Social Sciences, Peace Corps ESL Volunteer placed in Rwanda.

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Psalms 23

Psalms 23

v 1 – The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing that I lack.

• If there I nothing that I lack, then I don’t need books, cigarettes, alcohol, or boys. I have all I need – given by God. Everything I need is already here – and if I need it in the future, God will provide.



v 2 – He lets me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside quiet waters.

• He lets me lie in fertile, abundant fields. He is not stingy, giving only what I need. He lets me lie down. He provides rest and rejuvenation when I need it. He leads me beside quiet waters. He leads me to peace. Life is tumultuous, and he walks with me through the valleys so he can lead me to a place of calm.



v 3 – He renews my life; he leads me along paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

• He renews my life. When I am stuck or stumbling or trapped in poor choices and sin, he renews me. He brings me around so I can start fresh. This forgiveness, grace, and hope all show that he is the living God. He renews my life for His name’s sake. His honor and reputation are at stake if he has claimed me as his own, and leads me into temptation, he is no better then the gods that are built by our hands and survive on the fear of the people who worship them. My God leads me to righteousness to show his glory through me.



v 4 – Even when I go thought he valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff – they comfort me.

• How do you comfort through disciplinary tools? The rod and the staff comfort my through the valley.



v 5 – You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

• Even in danger, you provide for me. I am welcomed, honored, and cared for even when I am surrounded by antagonists. You singled me out to bless me – you called me to great responsibility while pouring out your blessings.

Lord, make it clear what you want of me. Impress on my heart how you want me to act; move your spirit in me to convict me; challenge my stubbornness and help me hate what doesn’t glorify you; give me the grace to act as an inheritor of your kingdom.



v 6 – Only goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord as long as I live.

• Your goodness and faithfulness pursue me – they chase after me. When you follow me and flush me out of my hiding places, it is to lead me, bless me, and get me back on track. You will not let me fall by the wayside or get distracted too long. They bring me back to fellowship and union with you. And you never give up on me. As you have singled me out and blessed me – called me – you will not let me go so easily.