The Lord is my shepherd (Psalm 23)

This morning the Lord woke me to this Psalm encouraging me to read it in other translations. This one is from the Contemporary English Version. I encourage you to read it out loud.

“You, LORD (JESUS), are my shepherd. I will never be in need. You let me rest in fields of green grass. You lead me to streams of peaceful water, and you refresh my life.

You are true to Your name, and You lead me along the right paths. I may walk through valleys as dark as death, but I won’t be afraid. You are with me, and Your shepherd’s rod makes me feel safe.

You treat me to a feast, while my enemies watch. You honor me as your guest, and you fill my cup until it overflows. Your kindness and love will always be with me each day of my life, and I will live forever in Your house, Lord.”

It is all about learning to put our total trust is Jesus knowing His ability and will is to take care of us.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (CEV) instructs us, “With all your heart you must trust the Lord and not (trust) your own judgment. Always allow Him to lead you and He will clear the road for you to follow.”

We have been taught, “If you want something done right, do it yourself.” When we do this we are trying to make ourselves our god.

To learn to trust God in every area of our life takes renewing our minds to God’s ways of doing things. We do this by following Matthew 6:33, more than anything else seek God and His presence first. Listen for His instruction. This is His righteousness. Then the other things will come to us when we do what He says no matter how strange it may sound.

Recently I was seeking Him on a matter I thought needed an immediate answer. He replied with, “Wait upon the Lord.” I had peace in Christ and I let it go. When and if I need to respond on this matter, I am trusting He will let me know and then I will act on it.

As you join in communion with Christ today, rejoice in His love and care. No matter what happens or how hopeless things may seem, allow Jesus to walk with you through your darkness or shadow that looks like death. It is only a shadow when Christ is with you. Amen!

Blessings on your day!

Karen

Daily Communion on Psalm 23

“And they continued daily…breaking bread from house to house.” (Acts 2:46)

Set aside a time each day to spend with the Lord in His word and communion or fellowship with Jesus. You do not have to be in a church or have a pastor preside over the elements. You are the temple of God and a priest under your High Priest, Jesus the Christ. His death, burial and resurrection was for you, and for each of us.

I suggest that you set up your table with juice and a cracker or Matzo bread. Bless them to become the body and blood of Jesus.

Before you partake of them read and meditate on Psalm 23 as you see the body and blood of Jesus in front of you.

Think about how Jesus is our Shepherd. We belong to Him. He provides everything we need; love, food, shelter, and a new beginning each morning filled with His mercies. We get a new start each and every morning. Praise God!

When we use the authority of His name, and receive the power of His Spirit, the warring angels of heaven back us up. If we will walk with Him, He will lead us through the dark places of our soul.

In the mist of our darkest times we are invited to His table to commune with Him and to seek His direction. Then we can rest in His presence knowing the enemy has already been defeated.

This Psalm promises His goodness and mercies will come. Watch for them!

Take Communion: today we eat of His body that has been broken for us. By His stripes we are healed. His internal bruising became the payment for healing and depression. His forgiveness on the cross released us from eternal punishment. This is the great exchange. Give Him your problems and receive His mercy.

We drink of His blood that washed away our sin and made us into His new creation. This blood paid the price for us to become sons and daughters of the living God.

This is a good time to finish with a prayer of thanksgiving as we have become partakers of the unbreakable covenant in His blood. Amen!

Blessings on your day!

Karen