31 Days: He lets me rest in green meadows

 

The LORD is my shepherd; I have all 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 though 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 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

Although perhaps heard most often in funerals, Psalm 23 is a wonderful picture of the Lord’s care for us who belong to him, not just in crisis but in the everyday moments of our lives. 

He meets every need. “He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength.” Isn’t it interesting how rest is listed first? Not, “he puts a roof over my head” or “he gives me meaningful work to do.” Even protection, comfort and blessings come later.  

Other translations have “he makes me lie down in green pastures.” Rest is not a reward for a job well done. It is part of his provision for our well-being. He doesn’t force it on us, but if we will follow him then rest is ours to enjoy in his presence.

This is Day 17 of The Rhythm of Rest series (Write 31 Days challenge).

31 Days: Listening to His Word

A few days ago I stumbled upon Psalm 23 in the New Living Translation (NLT). Perhaps stumbled is not the right word. I felt a nudge to read Psalm 23, I’m just not sure I’d read it in the NLT before. Perhaps it was the words used in this translation. Perhaps it’s the place I’m in right now; the things he’s been showing me. Whatever it was, this familiar psalm resonated in a new way.

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 honour 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 honour 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 dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Psalm 23 (NLT)

Thank you Lord for showing me your love, for speaking into the places of my heart that need your Word.

How has the Lord been speaking to you through his Word? Share with me in the Comments.

This Day 11 of the series 31 Days to Listen.