Read Psalm 23:1-6

Have you pressed into God’s goodness to see what it really means to you?

I once heard a worship leader who I admire say, “Sometimes my most bold stance of faith looks like believing He is good enough for me to come to Him with my disappointments and find Him there. Sometimes it has looked like being sad and finding a shepherd there ready to hold me; a comforter who is comfortable with pain. Finding the shepherd who knows how to lead us through a valley so that we don’t stop and make a home in the valley, but will walk us through it. Is He good enough for you to be rested in His grasp?”

When I heard that statement, I thought of Psalm 23. I think most always when I hear the word “shepherd,” I think of it.

I remember being in Israel at the end of my Great Commission Bible Institute year, in Bethlehem overlooking a field. My pastor, at that time, who spent the year teaching us, began to teach again. He asked us to take out our Bibles and turn to Psalm 23 and he began to show us what being a shepherd to sheep looks like…and then, it came to life.

Here is my prayer; Where is your heart after reading Psalm 23?

(vs1-2) Father, help me to give up control of my life and lean on the truth that You are all I need. You are more than enough for me and in You, I have everything. No matter how many times I forget that You are good, thank you for leading me and guiding me back to You and always calming my mind when it begins to wander.

(Vs3-4) Lord, You call me holy and make me new. May I walk behind You and follow Your path and always choose righteousness for Your glory and Your glory alone. Though at times I walk with sadness and disappointments, thank you for always being next to me. Thank you for always reminding me that You are my protector, You are my comforter, You are the only one who can bring me peace.

(Vs5-6) You are preparing a place for me. A feast of all feasts and, even though I have enemies, even though I can be my own worst enemy, You remind me that all of me is welcome to Your table. That I don’t have to hide any part of me because You’ve created every part. You never let go and always provide above and beyond my expectations. Your grace is sufficient, Your love is measureless and nothing can separate me from You. Help me to continue to run towards Your pursuit, to not hold on to this life and what’s in it but to look forward to where I was intended to be and live in that hope.

Help me keep my eyes on You.

Amen.

Kelly Lawson