This article first appeared on The Inspired Woman Blog |
Like many of you, I have lots of “favorite” scriptures– not to sound cliche. There’s the one that changed everything in my life (and unknowingly thrust me into the ministry as an author and speaker), then there’s those powerful “ka-bam” scriptures that remind you God is on His throne and nothing can knock Him off, and of course, there are scriptures we just fell in love with because of certain seasons and situations we faced where God’s Word became living water to our soul.
But then there’s the go-to scripture… the one that always speaks to you no matter how many times you’ve read it and meditated on it. My go-to scripture might sound cliche, but as I turned to it again this morning, I found the same hope and comfort in it as millions of others.
I’m talking about Psalm 23.
Across all denominations, these precious verses have brought comfort, hope, strength, and faith to people. And I’m no exception.
Today however, I focused in on just the first verse. David said, “The Lord is my shepherd.” Naturally speaking, a shepherd would be a herder of sheep. But the Hebrew word here describes a friend, one who cares.
The Lord is my Friend– One who cares about me.
I can’t be the only person who needed to hear that. The world cannot give us what God offers. I’ve had a sweet, precious best friend since 4th Grade (over 40 years!) who makes me laugh, lights up a room, and can be trusted with secrets. But God as my friend still surpasses her (and she’s okay with that).
Sometimes we want a tangible friend (I do), but because God can see and minister to the intangible areas of our heart and soul, it’s important for us to recognize and embrace Him as the true Shepherd/friend He desires to be in our life.
David finished his opening statement by adding: “I shall not want.” To want means to be in lack, to be needy, to decrease or to fail to be complete. David said because God was his Shepherd, he didn’t lack, he wasn’t needy, he couldn’t decrease or fail to be fully complete in Him.
I need reminding of this too.
The world pulls a lot out of us. Many times, we are the ones others need things from — the kids, our spouse, the boss, the customers, the assignment, the deadline, etc. It’s not hard to feel depleted, even on your best days! So how much more do we need to remember this on our not-so-good-days? In those moments when we’ve fallen or not risen to the occasion like we wanted to, the words and promises of God become so much more than simple scripture. Like rain on parched ground, God’s Word relieves the soul of all it’s burdens.
“The Lord is my friend. He cares greatly for me. And therefore, I shall not want, be in lack, needy, decrease, or fail to be whole and complete” (Psalm 23:1, my paraphrase).
I encourage you to take some time to meditate on this truth. Roll it over and over in your heart today. Let the Good Shepherd lead you to those green pastures of rest and still waters that restore your mind, will, and emotions. As He leads you along His path (through and past all shadows of defeat), it will be for the glory of His name– hand-in-hand, smiling in your direction the entire way.
