Held (1)

Intro:

Think of a moment when you felt held by a parent, spouse or our Heavenly Father. In safe arms. Held lovingly and secure. That’s the image I’d love you to remember over the next number of weeks as we examine Psalm 23 in some detail. Held.

Opening Prayer:

Thank you Loving Heavenly Father that you hold us, you hold me in your loving arms. You hold us close and secure; safe. Thank you that you are our Shepherd that protects and guards us from roaming wolves. We’re secure and safe with you, Jesus. Thank you Lord.

Amen

Bible Verse:

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.

He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he refreshes my soul.

He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.

Even though I walk
Through the valley of the shadow of death
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.

Surely your mercy and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
Forever.

(Psalm 23 NIV)

Reflection:

This Psalm is the one that I’m most commonly asked to read at the bedside of a person in hospital or by family members when a person is in a coma. And the most common one that I’m asked to read at Thanksgiving/ Funeral Services. Why? Because it brings such comfort and hope.

We’ll devotionally reflect on this Psalm section by section over the next month and a half

“The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.”

David knew, even in one of his hardest times, that The LORD was his shepherd.

Firstly, the LORD is in capitals. You’ll remember from your exegesis that anytime this is the case it refers to the Lord God Almighty, the Sovereign power and might of the God of the Universe, King of Kings and Lord of Lords. And you’ll remember David was a shepherd. So, when he was writing that the Lord God Almighty was his shepherd, he was remembering that God would protect, provide and guide him in all things.

Here, we see God providing for him. Just as down the ages Christians from every generation have cried out to the Lord…the LORD is my shepherd, I lack for nothing…I have everything I need in God. I can trust Him to provide all my needs…financially, personally, relationally, spiritually, emotionally and mentally.

Take a moment to reflect deeply upon the Lord being your shepherd. And because He is, you lack nothing. What do you need to trust him for today? In which area in particular.

Prayer:

God, thank you today that you remind me that you are my shepherd and that in you I lack nothing, I have all I need. Where it doesn’t feel like this is the case, Lord, help me to trust you afresh today. Thank you Jesus that I am held by you, in your loving arms.

Amen.