A HALLMARK CARD OR SOMETHING NOT SO PRETTY?
- Key Verse
- "The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake." (Psalm 23:1-3)
READ THE CHAPTER
Central Truth
Our Jesus offers us what the world cannot: peace, comfort, and guidance amidst the craziness around us.
Reflections
Amidst the beautiful imagery of these passages, I can't get past the idea that the psalmist refers to himself as a sheep. I don't have much experience with sheep, but it seems that they are fairly dumb animals. They follow each other somewhat blindly, can be moved easily by a bucket of food, and their bleating can be rather annoying. Hmmm...I act a lot like a sheep.
If it were up to me and my power, I would never lie down. I'd be walking around aimlessly, listening to the talk of others, disoriented to my surroundings. If it were up to me, I would never have the patience to find the cooling, quiet waters. I'd find a nasty puddle, something haphazard, not the truly refreshing spring He promises. If it were up to me, I would not look for Sabbath's guidance to the abundant life (John 10:10) of sheepdom. I would be burned out, dirty, distrusting, and wondering why I'm even on this planet.
But my soul yearns for the opposite. I yearn for His unrelenting love and His faithfulness to provide all I need. I ache for guidance to move through the screaming of confusion, pride, and death around me. I want rest and comfort, and even validation in front of a world that works tirelessly to deny God.
My experience with the Shepherd has been a journey, a process of listening, trusting, and actively following. In my stupidity, in my humanity, Jesus entered in and said, "I have everything you need." Now, the big question is: Will I follow?
Discussion Questions
1. In being led in righteousness, oftentimes the paths don't seem like gentle scenic drives but more like hairpin switchbacks. What troubles in life do you need to seek Christ and follow Him through? Pray right now for clarity and guidance so that His name will be glorified.2. Do you find your mind and heart consumed with how to balance out your record sheet with God? Rest in the truths of Psalm 23:1-4.
3. An interesting fact about sheep: without a natural predator, sheep do not have a tendency to move in flocks. In other words, they only congregate together when they know they are in danger. Do you naturally seek out community more for a relational feeling or as a necessity in the fight against sin and Satan? Why?
randy
February 1, 2010 11:59 PM
Nancy, your last question serves as a great reminder to stay connected in community in order to help defend against the attacks that tend to come our way! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMUQEI0CLQM&feature=PlayList&p=71A80BA4A6D27BE9&index=0
Chip Smith
February 2, 2010 06:07 AM
This psalm is one of my favorites as I know it is to most Christians. However, I don't usually read it with the idea that I am a dumb sheep. Yet, the opening line says, "The LORD is my shepherd," and I see that I can be really dense when it comes to following Jesus. In John 10, Jesus compares himself to being a shepherd and people as sheep and says that those who are saved, know his voice and follow him. I like what you said about your experience with the Shepherd being a journey, a process of listening, trusting, and actively following. Also, your point in question three about the need to be in community for not just fellowship, but also safety. Great job this morning, Nancy. Have a great and blessed week.
Terry Melle
February 2, 2010 06:17 AM
When I read "he restores my soul", it is nearly breathtaking to me. YHWH Rohi. Indeed!
Tim Hawks
February 2, 2010 07:13 AM
Thanks for your reminder about the goodness, peace and rest offered to us by our good God. I spent the evening praying with about 100 pastors from Austin and it was such a encouragement to just rest in the hands of the Shepherd. Blessing for you Nancy.
Robert Powell
February 2, 2010 07:42 AM
Thanks Nancy. This was the first Scripture I memorized as a child. I believe it's the most quoted in Cowboy Movies by the preacher at graveside. Today verse 3 struck me that my righteousness is not for my sake, but His -- to bring God the glory.
Diana
February 2, 2010 08:05 AM
Chris, Your devotional was very inspiring particularly the comment about switchbacks. I had an adventure once riding horses up a mountain and dealing with narrow switchbacks on slippery stone. In a way as you traverse back and forth in a seemingly recurring landscape you are making progress and will get to the top. With trust and patience that God is guiding you will arrive at the meadow to lay down in,a clear stream to drink from, safe from harm.
Steven Zabriski
February 2, 2010 10:00 AM
Very well done and thought provoking. I love this passage anyway as it is one of the earliest I can recall memorizing so your perspective of it was very good.
Benton Higgins
February 2, 2010 10:10 AM
This is the first verse I ever somewhat memorized. Like all scripture, this one is taking on new meaning for me, in relation to what the Lord is currently teaching me. I reaally (typo left on purpose because I decided it sounded "sheepy") relate to the part about to the Shepherd and other sheep gathering for protection and food. Lately, God has been showing me that when I allow myself to be swayed from the path of righteousness, I forfeit his perfect provision for me. I find myself searching all day, for a bit of green grass amidst the withered, instead of harvesting in fields of green to share with others. I used to picture His "PATH" as a beaten, trodden trail, but lately I've been seeing it as a lush, green path through dry and dusty lands. Being off of it is becoming less and less attractive to me.
Jeremiah Williams
February 2, 2010 10:47 AM
I grew up on a ranch in West Texas - with a LOT of sheep. And yes, they are stupid. Did you know they jump over shadows? Just like I do without God's guidance.
David Redding
February 2, 2010 01:28 PM
Will I follow indeed! I'll be honest, I often settle for the dirty, nasty pool of water, when God has the springs fired up and ready. Seems silly, thanks for the insight and for sharing your husband with our church body! David
Anna
February 3, 2010 08:02 AM
A quick reply to Nancy, this was EXACTLY the Lord’s timing for me today and I just wanted to say thanks :O) Anna