Held (3)

Intro:

Isn’t it exciting exploring Psalm 23. I hope you’re enjoying it as much as me.

Opening Prayer:

Help our hearts be open to you today, Lord. Let me be ready to hear what you would say to me. And help me to be responsive and obedient as you do.

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:

“He guides me along the right paths…” sounds like it is only direction and guidance from the Lord. It is that. And that is vitally important and so precious when the Holy Spirit guides us in our decision making and in our directions.

But it is much more than that.

Around where I live, maybe you have this too, I have lots of potholes in the road. Some are quite large and if you drive into them or over them you may damage your car. Many people do in our State. And the irony is that despite the potholes being the government’s responsibility, there’s little or no recompense if you drive into or over them.

Sounds like walking down an unhealthy path doesn’t it? Making a wrong turn in choosing to do something that takes us away from “paths of righteousness” (another translation for this part of the verse) is like that isn’t it. And the damage from walking off a healthy path can be catastrophic can’t it. Unfaithfulness in marriage, playing loose with finances and taking some for personal projects that is the church’s money or becoming addicted to any number of traps that surround us. All of these are ‘stumbling in the dark’ and walking on an unhealthy path.

If you’re there now, turn away quickly asking the Lord for His forgiveness. If you need help from professionals or from fellow Pastors privately, reach out. Don’t do it alone. This may be the prompt for you to be set free just like you have seen so many others set free. God can do that for you too!

We walk on the right path for His Name’s sake. That means what we do and how we live reflects Jesus. Is your life reflecting Jesus well right now? Or do you need someone to come alongside you? Everyone does in some area or another during their lives whether for major areas like mentioned here or whether for smaller deviations from the right path.

Let’s ask the Lord to help each of us to live for His Name’s sake.

Prayer:

God, I pray for each person reading this that if anyone is trapped right now that you would set them free. Help them to reach out to you for help where needed. Help us Lord to walk on the right path, on paths of righteousness for your glory, living as wonderful witnesses for you. Help us to shine your light reflecting you, Jesus, in each of our actions, words and deeds.

Amen