Thought for the Day.
Monday
“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.”
You’ll notice there is no text reference. That’s because everyone knows where to find Psalm 23! We sing this Psalm at worship and at funerals, at weddings and State occasions. Its words run in our veins. There are several texts that we learn to live with, and from which we learn to live. This week we will wander through Psalm 23 in the company of the Good Shepherd. Whatever you’re facing this week, pray that first line in your heart, “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.”
Tuesday
“He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside still waters, he restores my soul.”
Sometimes we face mountains not meadows, and white waters not still waters, and our souls are in turmoil. Say that first line again. Eventually we come to easier ground, still waters, and God renews our faith, hope and love. Till then the Good Shepherd watches over us, walks with us, and provides for us. When we are low in faith, anxious beyond peace, weary of all that’s going on, “He restores my soul.”
Wednesday
“He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”
We’ve all been there. That place where we are uncertain; the place where we have to make a big decision; or the routine everyday place of home or work when it’s all getting a bit much. What do we do? Who can advise? Just as the shepherd leads the sheep and guides them in the right direction, so the Goods Shepherd leads us, goes before us, will guide us if we hear his voice and follow. Oh, and if we wander and get it wrong, the Good Shepherd will come looking for us, till he finds us. (Luke 15.4-7)
Thursday
“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.”
There it is. The most important preposition in the life of faith. Right in the middle of this Psalm, and just after we have to think about the worst that might happen – I will fear no evil, for you are with me…” With you, in the darkest place. With you when most afraid. With you. God is our protector and the one who nourishes and refreshes, guides and provides, and no matter what, God is with us. Evil is real, fear is natural, but the Good Shepherd knows us by name and our comfort and confidence is in Him.
Friday
“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.”
The cost of living crisis is reminding us nothing is forever, life has no guarantees, and a lot of folk are struggling to have enough to eat and enough to cook or stay warm. What God provides for us requires two responses – gratitude and generosity. Sharing, giving and having compassion are the marks of the community of Jesus, the barcode activities of the Kingdom of God. As Jesus said, “Other sheep I have who are not of this fold, these also you must bring.” Indeed. I can just hear Jesus saying, “Love your enemies, invite them to your table, to share what God has provided for you!”
Saturday
“You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.”
Two brief phrases of acknowledgement and wonder. Anointing is a sign of God’s favour and that God is for us, with us, and within us by the anointing of his Spirit. Not only that, but like all God’s blessings there is more than enough. Whether it’s water turned into wine at the wedding, twelve baskets full after 5000 are fully fed, or a cup that overflows, God’s blessings just keep coming. As well as line 1 from Monday, say this one too, because it’s the distilled essence of gratitude for all God’s mercies!
Sunday
“Surely goodness and faithful love shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
So not only does the Good Shepherd go ahead of us to guide, provide, and protect, but behind us and around us is the goodness and faithful love of the Lord, who is our Shepherd. The older familiar translation, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me”, works best when we remember that ‘mercy’ translates that lovely Hebrew word (hesed). This is a covenant word, a promise that can’t be broken; as surely as God is God, his goodness and faithful love are there for us, with us, around us, and yes behind us. In other words, God has our back!
Our Response to Psalm 23
What shall I return to the Lord for all his goodness to me?
I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord.
I will fulfil my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people.
(Psalm 116. 12-14)
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