God, my shepherd! I don’t need a thing. You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from. True to your word, you let me catch my breath
and send me in the right direction.
Even when the way goes through Death Valley, I’m not afraid when you walk at my side. Your trusty shepherd’s crook makes me feel secure.
You serve me a six-course dinner
right in front of my enemies. You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing.
Your beauty and love chase after me
every day of my life. I’m back home in the house of God what for the rest of my life. (Psalm 23 MSG)
REFLECTION
Our Good Shepherd knows exactly what we truly need, when we need it and why.
I find myself in a flustered flux when my focus is more on what I think I want, when I think I should have it and when I worrily wonder why I haven’t received it in the way I wanted…instead of fixing my focus on the One who alone knows what I truly need to receive (in His higher, wiser way and timing).
And yet, even in my flustered, frustrated state, He welcomes me home with open arms of grace, washes me with His pure and perfect Word and lovingly let’s me catch my breath and sends me in the right direction. Oh – in light of the perfect patience, mercy and love of The Lord Jesus Christ – let’s always turn to Him, irrespective of what happens or how we feel, knowing that He knows the depths of it all and that He will welcome us with love and show us the right way forward. And may we be ever mindful of His kindness towards us, as we have opportunity to be kind to others.
PRAYER POEM
Jesus – Healer of hearts – You alone know the real reasons why I weep, so to You I give my heart to keep.
Good Shepherd of the sheep – The Perfect One who knows not slumber nor sleep. There is no sorrow too deep, nor mountain too steep, no need You cannot meet, no foe You cannot defeat. And, in You I am content and complete.
