Psalm 23 is the only chapter in the Bible I know by heart. It has been for many years. Throughout my life, I got to memorize several
chapters in the Bible, but I eventually forgot parts of it or its entirety
completely. Only Psalm 23 stuck. Probably because it’s just six verses
long. But also because it has likely
appealed to me a lot.
Psalm 23 is a very notable passage in the Bible. It used the metaphor of the LORD as a Shepherd,
and it’s full of encouragement and comfort for His flock since it gives a
comprehensive glimpse of the benefits that a sheep belonging to the Good
Shepherd will enjoy.
This reflection is my short analysis of the blessings depicted in
Psalm 23. I will be discussing them by verse.
The LORD is my shepherd, I
shall not be in want.
The LORD is our Good Shepherd
(note: from this point on, when I use the third person pronouns like “we”, “us”, or “our”, I am referring to us Christians – the sheep belonging to
the Good Shepherd). The Good Shepherd who
gives his life for his sheep (John 10:11).
The Good Shepherd who willingly sought us in the wilderness when we were
lost (Luke 15:4-6). It’s a great
blessing and honor to have Him as our Shepherd!
Belonging to Him, there is the guarantee that we will never lack of
anything we need. Emphasis on “anything we need.” God will always give us the things He knows
we actually need, not the things we want or think we need.
So if we don’t have something, it’s because we don’t need it. If God didn’t provide the thing we are asking for right now, then it’s because we don’t really need it yet. Or at all.
Indeed, what we need to get the most out of
our lives and accomplishing a task for the glory of God is always present or provided
in the perfect time.
He makes me lie down in
green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,
The imagery from this verse inspires tranquility.
God gives us rest and peace.
And they are not dependent on the circumstances around us. Regardless of the weather we are in –
pleasant or turbulent – there is an inner calmness, for the Good
Shepherd is always in control.
he restores my soul. He
guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
When God saved us, He also guaranteed that He will preserve us and
sanctify us till we are ready to stand in front of Him. By our own strength, we can never remain
faithful. It is God who enables us to be
faithful. There may be times that we
falter and fall, but God will keep on sustaining and restoring us till the end.
Through the power of His Word and Holy Spirit, His instructions and
wisdom to discern what is righteous are revealed to us whenever we seek them
sincerely. But even if we fail, His
forgiveness is readily given when we repent, replenishing the vigor in our
souls in continuing our pressing on forward.
All of this is for His glory; so what He started in us, He will surely see
it brought to completion (Philippians 1:6).
This is basically the doctrine from the 5th-point of Five-Point Calvinism, “Perseverance of the Saints.” Such great source of reassurance.
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.
God promised that He will never leave us, nor forsake us. He promised to be with us till the end of age
(Matthew 28:20). So no matter how
terrifying, impossible, dire, or threatening a certain circumstance we are in,
His presence gives us courage, cheer, and calm.
For if God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31)
In short, God got our backs.
You prepare a table before
me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup
overflows.
Simply, we are overwhelmingly blessed!
Unfortunately, there is a popular misconception that being
overwhelmingly blessed always translates to material gain – good health, fixed
relationships, promotion, excelling in academics, improved standard of living, ownership of more properties, etc. God never really
promised these things. God never
promised that we will have problem-free, wealthy, comfortable lives in this
world. Quite the opposite actually.
However, what God did promise us are the honor and joy prepared for
us in Heaven that are incomparably, incomprehensibly greater than any material
gain from this world. And even in the
presence of whatever form of antagonism and menace, these great blessing and
glory from God is made apparent.
Surely goodness and love
will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the
LORD forever.
Due to God’s grace, we have been gifted eternal life. Hence, we will be able to enjoy His presence
for all eternity in Heaven. But even while
we are still remaining in this world, undergoing our life journey towards Eternity,
the glorious presence of God is already felt to an extent – His love and grace
evidently working to push us forward until we get there. The Good Shepherd will get His flock there.
No comments:
Post a Comment