I love this Psalm. It paints yet another picture of our wonderful Creator. He shepherds us and cares for us more than we could ever imagine. His grace is without limit. “I have all that I need.”
There is so much richness to this psalm, I could probably write a whole series of reflections on different sections. Take some time today to read through this a couple time if you can. How is it speaking to your heart? How do you see God a little differently when you see him as your Shepherd?
We are all needing rest and refreshment. How do I know? I’m retired, living in the mountains of Mexico, and I treasure my moments of refreshment with my Shepherd. If I still feel the need for rest, I’m quite sure that busy professionals, harried students, and under-appreciated ministry leaders around the world are also feeling the call to rest.
What better way to rest than to crawl up into the lap of our Father God? Remember to leave your burdens at his feet first. What a safe place! Although walking along a peaceful stream with God sounds good, too!
What a giving God we have! “My cup overflows with blessings.” Look around at your surroundings. Unless you are living under a rock, you have been richly blessed. Whether it’s the dream house you’ve always wanted or a piece of cardboard to fend off the elements, God has provided for you. How do you respond to him for all these blessings?
Our journey through this life is only a preparation for the glorious “forever” we will spend with God. I love how the psalmist calls out this promise. “I will live in the house of the Lord forever.” In John 14:2-3, Jesus tells us, “There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.”
What a glorious psalm to bring us refreshment and promise us eternal life. When we see the world caving in all around us, we don’t need to fear. We don’t need to be afraid because our God, our Shepherd, is walking right beside us!
Let’s pray. Father, thank you for the beautiful promises you have for me in this psalm. Forgive me when I lose my trust in you and let fear creep inside. I know you protect me from so many things I can’t even see. Thank you for the special place you are preparing just for me. I look forward to that day when everything is ready. Help me rest in you and your grace until that day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
