Psalm 23
“Even though I walk through the
valley of the shadow of death –
You are with me.”
David wrote this psalm and I just read that we should notice exactly what he says.
He had been chased by King Saul for years. He had a group of about 600 men and we read in 1 Samuel 24:2 that at one time Saul took 3000 soldiers to try to capture and kill him. However God strengthened David and his troop and saved them from Saul many times. Saul lost the Lord’s help and protection and was killed in battle with his sons. Eventually he came to the throne of the nation.
During that period David must have felt himself in the jaws of death many times. He had nor resources to fall back on but we also read that over and over he called on the Lord and was helped.
After his time fleeing from Saul he thought about all God had done so started to write this song (psalm) “The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want” He was talking about how good God had been to him. Then he started to remember all the times he was in danger and his thoughts changed. No longer did he talk about what the Lord had done. He talks to Him, not just about Him. The rest of the psalm says YOU are with me – not He is with me.
Jesus wants a personal relationship with us. He wants our love and devotion.
Our parents did not want to hear from us “Our mother or father loves us” – they want to hear “I love you mum or dad” There is a huge difference between the two statements.
Many people go to church and even Bible study but never get to the place of enjoying God’s presence. They sing the hymns and songs but don’t worship, they read the Bible but don’t see it as guidelines for everyday living.
Examine your relationship with Jesus.
Never think of Him as “HE” but always as “YOU.”
The psalm continues –
YOUR rod and YOUR staff, they comfort me.
YOU prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies,
YOU anoint my head with oil so my cup runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life
And I will dwell I the house of the Lord forever.
Work at having that attitude and relationship
and “goodness and mercy” will follow automatically.