Showing posts with label Psalm 23. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Psalm 23. Show all posts

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Personal Reflections on Psalm 23 & 139

Session III: Reflection Paper, Psalm 23

            The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. (Psalm 23:1-3, NASB)

            Due to crazy weather, I find myself sitting in a restaurant next to an electrical outlet and all the time in the world to get my assignment done; hence I shall not want. As we first sat on the side of the road trying to figure out what our next move would be, I reached for my devotional and indeed had my soul restored as I read the message of the day based off of Psalm 46:10. In reading His word and focusing on Him, I indeed am guided onto the path of righteousness.

            Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. (Psalm 23:4, NASB)

            I actually found myself saying that verse last night as our RV rocked back and forth in one of the worst storms I have ever lived through. It is a verse I say every time I find myself afraid of something.

            You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. (Psalm 23:5-6, NASB)

            My heart jumps for joy as I read those last words. I truly believe that the Lord is my shepherd and in keeping my focus on Him and His direction, I know I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever!

Session III: Reflection Paper, Psalm 139

            O Lord, You have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; You understand my thought from afar. You scrutinize my path and my lying down, And are intimately acquainted with all my ways. Even before there is a word on my tongue, Behold, O LORD, You know it all. (Psalm 139:1-4)

            The mere truth in these words never ceases to amaze me. As a child I foolishly thought I could hide my thoughts from God. Today I know He knows everything about me.

            You have enclosed me behind and before, And laid Your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is too high, I cannot attain it. (Psalm 139:5)

            That verse makes me realize that the LORD has me protected on all sides. No matter what I face in life, His hand is on me. It truly is an overwhelming thought. The following verses reaffirm that no matter where I land, the LORD is there as well.

            I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well. (Psalm 139:14)

When I am feeling down about myself, I remind myself of all the beauty that the Lord created. He created me too and I am indeed fearfully and wonderfully made!


            As I read the rest of the Psalm, I am reminded of events in my life where I can see that God stepped in and protected me against various enemies. My biggest plea today is that I go forth in life showing love and if indeed there is anything about me that needs improved that He helps me with that.