Held (2)

Intro:

Going through Psalm 23 together is such a joy and delight. The discoveries and reminders we experience can encourage us deeply in our journey with Jesus.

Opening Prayer:

Thank you Jesus that I can come freely to your loving arms again. Unafraid. And confidently knowing that your arms are open for me. Just as they are open to hold all those you give for me to love and lead.

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:

I love the imagery which David shows us in this Psalm and these verses. It creates a picture in my mind of a quiet brook, small river, which whispers and trickles quietly through a green valley where the birds are singing, flowers are blooming. You can feel the warmth of the Father’s love through the sunshine. And the smell of the flower’s fragrance fills your nostrils with delight.

Can you see this picture with me?

As I examine the words deeper, though, I realise “He makes me…” and “he leads me…” indicate that God guides us to rest. He says this in so many other passages too doesn’t he? Perhaps he is speaking to you today about taking time to rest. Allow Him to lead you beside quiet waters…because there He restores and refreshes your soul.

I find regularly I need to come aside and follow the Lord’s leading to quiet waters where He refreshes and renews my soul, deep within.

Come aside with Him today.

Prayer:

Thank you Jesus that I can come aside with you. Take me Lord to those quiet waters, help me to rest in the green pastures. I know “green” symbolizes plenty and abundance. Let me experience that plenty and abundance today, Lord.

And there, in that place beside the quiet waters, restore, renew and refresh my soul deep within I pray, Lord. That I may experience you afresh. Just because you love me. Not because of what I’m doing for you. Simply because you love me for who I am. Thank you Jesus.

Amen.