Psalms 23:1: The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
Do you remember what it used to feel like to lay in the grass and feel the sun beat down on you? Do you remember what it used to be like to sit beside a gentle stream and let your feet down into the water and to feel how cool the water felt? Do you remember what it was to be a child and not know anything about how the world worked all you knew was mom and dad took care of you, there was always food on the table, and you always had clothes to wear? Those were some fine days weren’t they? I can remember laying out on a starry night and seeing shooting stars or watching the twinkling of the lights as far as you can see. Those childhood days of peace seems so long ago, doesn’t it?
Psalms 23:2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
Oh that you could have those days back days where we can find such peace as we did as kids growing up. Remember how those time how you felt refreshed and all new? Like a cool summer day as a child growing up.
Psalms 23:3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
I remember as a boy going to the old pump that we had outside. And you would pump the water out and it would come from so deep in the ground it would be cool and refreshing it would revitalize you as before you got the second cup to drink you would pour that cool refreshing water over your head and feel the refreshing effect then get that second cup to drink.
It felt that cold water restored you so much and you would be off again. I will write later in another blog about the old pump we used.
Psalms 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
I can remember as a child sitting outside on the porch and all the sounds from when we lived in the country the owls, the coyotes and just all the strange noises we would hear. And there would be dad sitting there with us in the cool of the night and he could tell when you were afraid or scared and dad stern voice would say don’t be afraid I am right here. All the fears and feeling of insecurity would be gone in a second. Do you remember times like these?
Psalms 23:5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
No matter what had happened or where we were we all knew we could come home and there would be a nice hot meal there fixed for us. If we got in a fight with one another or with someone else mom would tend our wounds and dad would be there to comfort us and feed us and we knew all was right with the world.
Psalms 23:6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
When I left home I knew that everything would be all right I did not know how but I knew I was raised with respect for others. I knew I was raised with the desire to accomplish something that I did not know at the time. But I remember the day I left and when I looked back I knew that as long as mom and dad existed there was a safe home for me to return to.
But what about now? Have you thought about that or the future? We had that safety and that peace as kids growing up because there wasn’t anything going to happen to you as long as your parents were around. But like me many of you your parents are gone what about that peace and that feeling of safety. For me it is still there if I need peace my Heavenly Father gives it to me when I need rest my Father is there right by my side, if I feel a little insecure then my Father reassures me that everything will be all right. And although that boyhood home is gone I still know there is a home for me waiting for the day I get there.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
This is where my peace comes from, for God loves you and me so much that his son Jesus died for us. He wants you to know the peace and joy that you had when you were a child. Just like we turned to our dads back then for that reassurance, our Heavenly Father gives us that same today. He told Moses when he asked who shall I say sent me?
Exodus 3:14 And God said unto Moses, I Am that I Am: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I Am hath sent me unto you.
And isn’t that good enough for you that he is the great I Am, our Heavenly Father who wants you to know peace and joy. I pray that this blog lifts you up today or if you need the reassurance that there is still peace to be had in these days and times that Jesus is where you can find it.
May God Bless you and give you rest, peace and joy in your daily lives.