Friday, May 10, 2019
The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23:1-6
I think
children probably understand this Psalm better than adults. Somehow, perhaps by making poor choices, or
just facing the dark valleys through life, we become desensitized to what we
really need. We long for material
things, successful careers, and for people to take note of our
accomplishments. Even if we get those
things, they are fleeting and, in the eternal view, inconsequential! A
survey of pre-teens was conducted years ago about what they wanted most from
their parents. Among the top ten there
was such as taking a family walk and flying a kite together. There was not a single item that cost any
money! However, every bit of it involved
spending time together!
King David
had all those earthly things, wealth beyond measure, success in whatever he
did, and the praise of the entire world.
But this Psalm reveals his heart; it tells us what was really important
to this man after God’s own heart[i].
Let’s investigate
that heart and see what he knew was important.
· Peace
A sense of security, knowing your life really matters
to someone else topped David’s list. The
idea of still waters and green pastures speak volumes from a shepherd.
· Courage
· Honor
In this Psalm God does the leading, because it gives
Him joy to see his sheep cared-for. That
brings honor to God’s name. At the Psalm’s
end is God anointing David’s head with oil, a symbol of honor. The God-life is one of mutual respect and
honor.
· Mercy
· Relationship
Dwelling in God’s place forever is an expression of
relationship that finds complete fulfillment in all God is and does. Forever hardly requires
comment…and is not quite comprehendible.
How can you measure eternity?
Howard
Hughes was among the pioneers of the aircraft industry. Hughes Aircraft made him one of the richest,
and most influential people in the world.
As a diagnosed Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder sufferer, he became a
recluse, living in one hotel after another, never seen in public.
King David
and those like Howard Hughes are a study in polar opposites. David was a man after God’s own heart; Hughes
was one running from God’s heart. What Hughes
got was what he courted; what David got was enough for eternity.
For You Today
What kind
of life is enough for you?
If King David’s priorities are what you’re seeking, hear what God
advises:
If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. Jeremiah 29:13
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[1] Title Image: Pixabay.com Unless
otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are from The New Living Translation©
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