Mind-Blowingly Awesome Psalm 23:6
Surely your goodness and love will
follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
forever. Psalm 23:6
If
you know me, you know I like to know Why.
This
time, for this verse, I’m more interested in When.
I
mean, I’ve got the Surely part down.
Certainly. Reliably. Indeed.
Now
I want to know WHEN will God’s goodness and love follow me?
The
answer: All the days of my life.
Not
some days. Not most days. ALL days. Not missing any. Not skipping a few here
and there. No vacation. No potty break.
God’s
goodness and love, following me and you, all the days of our lives.
Awesome.
And
WHEN shall we dwell in the house of the Lord?
The
answer: Forever.
Always.
Never ending. Eternity. Also no vacation and no potty break.
Also
awesome.
And
BONUS, goodness and love will follow
us… into the house of the Lord forever. (See how I did that?)
Because
that’s what Heaven is (among many more things than we can’t begin to imagine).
It’s goodness and love 24/7 (even though there won’t actually be 24/7). Heaven
is where He is, and where we will be. Goodness and love have always been there,
and always will be, because He is there.
And
He is here. Around us. With us. Inside us. So goodness and love have no choice but to
follow us because they follow Him, in us.
That’s
more than awesome. That’s mind-blowingly
awesome.
And since
we’ve got When, we can now tackle Why.
The
answer: He loves us.
Which
is unbelievably mind-blowingly awesome.
Thank
You, God. Love you, too.
Wednesday, September 03, 2014
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C'mon A My House
The last verse of Psalm 23:
“Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
When I read this verse, I take comfort in the idea that God and I will be hanging together. forever. The funny thing is, at least on this side of heaven, I tend to think of having God over to my house.
God, would you come over and help me with my kids?
God, would you come over and bring some money with you?
God, would you come over and bring some peace with you?
God, would you come over and keep us safe?
When I think about having God over to my house, it seems that I think more in terms of what He can provide for me, and perhaps, how worthy I am to receive those provisions. God’s visits seem to be more about my needs and my timing.
It is such a different ball game, however, if I turn that idea around and consider going over to God’s house.
God, may I come over to your house?
God, can you make room for my kids?
God, I’ve had a rough day. May I come hang a while?
God, I never feel more safe than when I am in your house. May I stay?
It seems when I think about dwelling with God as a place I must go TO, so many things change. I think less about how worthy I am, and more about how hospitable and generous He is to share His life with me. He opens his doors to me and I am welcome anytime. His dwelling place is so powerful, I will want to stay forever and bring my loved ones with me. My visits to God’s house seem to be more about His mercy, His timing, and His love.
I am reminded that I must be willing to leave my house, and all the things I cling to. Only then will I dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Amen.
Wednesday, September 03, 2014
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Psalm 23: The Last Word
This week we Daily Fast Fuel gals wrap up our musings on Psalm 23 as we consider the final verse:
v.6 "Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."
What do you think of when you read this popular verse? What comforts and assurances does it bring to your mind? Pray with us this week that we get to the heart of the matter, that the meditations of our hearts will be pleasing in God's eyes.
Amen.
Wednesday, September 03, 2014
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Clearing a Path
You prepare a table before me in the
presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Luke
4. Jesus defeats Satan in The Big Temptation. Then He heads home to Nazareth, announcing
His purpose and the beginning of His ministry. The hometown crowd is less than
impressed and ready to throw Him off a cliff. In fact, they DO try to throw Him
off a cliff. But then:
He walked right through the crowd and
went on his way. (V30)
WHAAAAT?
First
of all, talk about being IN THE PRESENCE of enemies. We’re talking shoulder to
shoulder. Hands pushing, pulling, gripping. Forcing Him to walk--to His DEATH.
You can’t get much more In The Presence than that.
Secondly,
these were not garden variety enemies. These were Frenemies. They were His
neighbors. His childhood buddies. The kids He played Red Light Green Light
with. The parents who gave Him messages to give to His mother. They watched Him grow up--for THIRTY YEARS.
NOW
they want to KILL Him--NOT for what He DID to them, but simply for the words He
spoke.
Have
you ever had enemies that vile? Me neither.
Back
to Luke 4. “His way” took Him to
Capernaum. There they were amazed at his
teaching, because his words had authority. (V32) He drove out many spirits
and healed many diseases.
The
people of Capernaum wanted Him to stay with them (and probably eat at their
tables), recognized His holiness (being anointed with oil declared you set
apart, holy) and told everyone in the area about Him (His cup overflowed for
sure).
What
His Frenemies (and The Enemy) intended for evil, God turned into good.
Have
you ever seen a God that good? Me too.
Thursday, August 28, 2014
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Letter from a Servant
"You prepare a table before
me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my
cup overflows." – Psalm 23:5
As I read Psalm 23:5 this
week. I couldn't help but think about those who are persecuting Christians even as I write these words. I imagine verse 5 was written for them.
Dear Pursuers,
You have thought me just a
lowly shepherd, wandering the hills with almost nothing to my name, keeping
watch over a flock of sheep so inconsequential that no one else in the world
would miss them should you devour them.
You have underestimated me.
I have a sovereignty that
watches over a flock of 7 billion.
I have the strength, the
courage, and the power to hold you in your place while I let my children rest
within arm’s length of you.
I have the means to provide
an overflowing and unending amount of nourishment to my flock.
I have all of this, and
still, I choose to lead by serving.
I also have an empty chair.
It’s yours if you want it.
Just come to the door and
knock.
Ask, and I will show you how
lavishly I love.
Signed,
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
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Psalm 23:5
Howdy Readers! The Daily Fast Fuel gals
continue to spend our time in Psalm 23, this week, we focus on verse 5:
"You prepare a table before me in the presence of my
enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows."
Oh Lord, may the meditations of our hearts and the words that we write be pleasing in your eyes!
Amen.
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
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Time in Death Valley
I
am SO OVER these last few weeks.
It
seems that everywhere I turn there is death. Dear friends had to unexpectedly
bury their brother. Robin Williams committed suicide. A classmate of mine lost his wife because of a hornet sting. A friend told me of losing his two week
old son – it was decades ago but the pain is always present. This very morning
I attended the funeral of a sweet cousin who battled cancer for a long time. I
have several more instances but I will spare you.
Modern
Bible translations render Psalm 23:4 as, “the darkest valley” or “a valley of
deep darkness.” In this case I think the old school King James Version has them
beat with “the valley of the shadow of death.”
What
could be more awful than that?
I’ll
tell you. It would be not seeing past the valleys, the shadows, and the death.
You
see, the presence of a valley means there must be a mountain.
The
presence of a shadow means there must be light.
The
presence of death means there must be life.
You
can’t have one without the other.
I
think David, who wrote Psalm 23, taught this lesson well to his son, Solomon,
who wrote Ecclesiastes 3:
There is a time for
everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens:
and a season for every activity under the heavens:
a time to be born and a time to die…
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance…
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance…
The
valley of the shadow of death leads to the mountain of light and life.
What
could be more wonderful than that?
Thursday, August 21, 2014
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C'mon. We're going in.
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” - Psalm 23:4
I’ve probably read this verse a million times. I wondered what new wisdom it could possibly hold for me as I considered it for this week’s post. Lo and behold, the Living Word did not disappoint and has wowed me once again. I was surprised by what struck me.
It wasn’t the “darkest valley” part, the fact that all of us have our troubles to bear. Been there, got that.
It wasn’t the “fear no evil” part, although, I admit I still don’t understand the “peace that goes beyond understanding.” Guess that’s why they call it that.
It wasn’t the “for you are with me” part. I know you are with me God. Always.
It wasn’t even the wild “rod and staff” comforting thing, although that is just plain cool. (Did you know that the rod was used to protect against foes while the staff was used to keep the sheep, themselves, out of trouble? In essence, God our Shepherd is prepared to protect us from our enemies AND from ourselves??)
No, the thing that wowed me was something else.
It was the “walking” thing.
It was the idea that in the darkest of valleys, where no one could blame me for being afraid, and where I would need to be accompanied, protected, and guided because the dangers are real...I am walking. As in, moving forward.
It was the idea that God does not tuck me safely away from the evils of this world, but rather, He is a moving and dynamic protector. Because, regardless of what the valley may hold for me, I must keep going.
It was the idea that walking through the darkest valley is quite emboldening. While God could shield me from the world (while I lie, shaking, in a fetal position), He instead grabs His rod and His staff and says to me, “C’mon. We’re going in.”
Wow.
“Even though I walk…”
Let’s go, Jesus.
Amen.
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
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In the Valleys
your rod and your staff, they comfort me. - Psalm 23:4
This week our crew will be pausing to reflect on the promise of God to be with us when we find ourselves in the valleys of life. Join us as we explore the majesty of His goodness that remains when the landscape around us looks less than appealing.
Monday, August 18, 2014
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Restoring Waterfalls
He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside quiet waters.
He restores my soul;
He guides me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake. (Psalm 23:2,3 NASB)
He leads me beside quiet waters.
He restores my soul;
He guides me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake. (Psalm 23:2,3 NASB)
He
restores my soul.
Oh,
how I love that! Oh, how I need that!
The
word David uses for restore is shuwb (pronounced
shoob). It also means turn back, return, come back, bring back, refresh,
repair.
Who
of us doesn’t need a little shuwb, a little
restoration, and probably in every area of our lives?
We
need relational restoration, financial restoration, spiritual, mental,
physical, emotional, schedule, even motivational restoration.
The
thing is, if we allow Him to restore our souls, every other area of our lives
will be affected.
It
has to start there, in the depths of the deep soul.
O my God, my soul is in despair within
me….
Deep calls to
deep at the sound of Your waterfalls;
(Psalm 42)
Hmmm…waterfalls…and
quiet waters…
Water
from above cascading down, mingling and flowing into deep, still, quiet pools.
The
thundering flood of Living Water poured into us quiets, stills, renews, revives.
Restores.
Lord,
we invite Your rivers of living water to fill our parched souls, that we may never
thirst again.
Thursday, August 14, 2014
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When the Shepherd Has to Thrown Down
Last week I wrote about when Shepherds carry a weapon (In my case, a frying pan). This week, I am returning to that theme to make sure we’re all clear about when and why said Shepherd might also have to, shall we say,….“throw down”.
Yes, you read that right.
Psst...Um, Katie?...I thought the scripture for this week was that sweet little number about green pastures and still waters?
It sure is! In fact, before I explain why the Shepherd has his dukes up, let’s review:
Psalm 23: 2,3
He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside still waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
Here’s the thing. My thoughts this week have never strayed far from the plight of the persecuted Iraqi people who seem to be at the mercy of the worst terror this world has seen in generations. Truth be told, I have been filled with dread and even nausea at some of the news reports I have read. It is pure evil in action.
As I prayed about this week’s post, I was quick to dig in my heels. How excited can I get to write about Psalm 23:2,3, which would be among the very last verses of scripture that I would consider offering to a mother who is watching her children die of thirst? How is that encouraging? “What still waters?”, I challenged. (I argue a lot with God, don’t I?)
But God was quick to respond. He reminded me of the Truth.
The Shepherd makes you lie down in green pastures. The Shepherd leads you beside still waters. The Shepherd does all he can to guide you down the right paths.
But the Shepherd isn’t the only one wandering around out there with a vested interest in the herd.
“Keep alert. Your accuser, the devil, is on the prowl like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” - 1 Peter 5:8
“Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a helpless people.” - Proverbs 28:15
Good thing shepherds aren’t unfamiliar with lions and bears…
“But David said to Saul, ‘Your servant has been keeping his father’s sheep. When a lion or a bear came and carried off a sheep from the flock, I went after it, struck it and rescued the sheep from its mouth.’” - 1 Samuel 17:34
Our Shepherd will always lead us to a place that refreshes our soul. He will never lead us to a place of destruction. If we find ourselves in such a place, it is not because of His will, but because we have been hunted. God does not lead us to soul-wrenching places...but He will always go after us there.
“But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the people might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth.” - 2 Timothy 4:17
Sweet Jesus, dear Shepherd...go get ‘em.
In your Holy name we pray.
Amen.
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
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More than a Shepherd
He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside
still waters, he refreshes my soul. He
guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
As I ponder these verses again, and the one who shared them,
I think of David, the warrior king, but shepherd boy describing God as the
great shepherd. A God who leads us to
peaceful places, beside a constant flow of life, refreshing our deepest places
all to boast in the goodness of His name.
And all I can hear the Spirit say is, “I’m so much better
than a shepherd.”
“You are not just my livelihood, like a herd of sheep I tend
to out of obligation.
You are my passionate possession.
My family.
My children.
I do not just lead you to peace,
I am peace within you,
A constant flow of life
From deep within.
It is my JOY to lead you in ways that bring you life,
My name declares that I am faithful and true.
That I am for you.
That I am with you.
I will shepherd you, care for you, guide you – but I am so
much more than a shepherd.
I am a Father.
I am YOUR Father.
A shepherd’s love is no match for father’s.”
As beautiful as David’s words have always been to me, I hear
the nudge of the Father, “I’m so much better than David thought.”
Psalm 23: 2-3
Monday, August 11, 2014
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Green Pastures, Quiet Waters, Loving Restoration
Yeah, I love me some green pastures and quiet waters. Even better if The One Who Loves Me leads and guides me there.
How about you? Do you need some refreshing?
Join my Daily Fast Fuel Sisters and me as we ponder (no pun intended) Psalm 23:2 and 3, and take this week to grow closer to The One Who Restores Our Souls.
Saturday, August 09, 2014
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Say It With Me
The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that
I need. (NLT)
THE Lord is my shepherd.
The
LORD
is my shepherd.
The
Lord IS
my shepherd.
The
Lord is MY shepherd.
The
Lord is my SHEPHERD.
I have all that I need.
I HAVE
all that I need.
I
have ALL
THAT I need.
I
have all that I need.
I
have all that I NEED.
And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times,
having all that you need, you will
abound in every good work. (2
Corinthians 9:8 NIV)
Because of the Lord’s great love we are
not consumed,
for his compassions never
fail.
They
are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
(Lamentations 3:22,23 NIV)
Let
all that I am praise the Lord;
may I never forget the good things he does for me. (Psalm 103:2 NLT)
Thursday, August 07, 2014
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I Lack Nothing. Dangit.
I was feeling pretty grumbly today after a long work day and a difficult bedtime with the kiddos. I started my third job of the day (all the stuff I am responsible for after the kids are in bed) choosing to feast on some pretty big helpings of self-pity and covetousness.
Imagine my delight when I remembered that tonight was my turn here at the Daily Fast Fuel to write about verse “1” of the 23rd Psalm. Oh...that’s right. <Insert heavy sarcasm here> “The Lord is my shepherd. I lack nothing.” Dangit. I lack nothing?? Really?
I tried a few reframing thoughts to get myself in the game: “Self, remember that you didn’t wake up in a bomb shelter today, or wonder where your food was coming from.”
No good. I’m still drenched in enough selfishness tonight to feel a bitter about the "nothingness" that I lack. I’m an honest sinner. What can I say? I try to keep things real around here. (you're welcome.)
So I tried scripture instead (crazy, I know). As I recall, the translation of Psalm 23 which I remembered from my youth didn't even say “I lack nothing.” It said, “I shall not want”. I don’t particularly like that version much better, but I figured, hey, maybe if I dig a little, I’ll find a translation that I DO like. Here’s what I found:
New International Version: The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
New Living Translation: The LORD is my shepherd. I have all that I need.
English Standard Version: The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
Holman Christian Standard Bible: The LORD is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack.
God’s Word Translation: The LORD is my shepherd. I am never in need.
King James 2000 Bible: The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not lack.
Guess what?
I don’t like those either.
Then the Lord hit me over the head with a frying pan.
When I came to... I saw this:
New International Version: The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
New Living Translation: The LORD is my shepherd. I have all that I need.
English Standard Version: The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
Holman Christian Standard Bible: The LORD is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack.
God’s Word Translation: The LORD is my shepherd. I am never in need.
King James 2000 Bible: The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not lack.
There seems to be one thing all the translations agree upon. (Dangit.)
You know why sheep wander off?
Because they focus on what is right in front of them.
They focus on WHAT is missing instead of WHO is missing.
They quit paying attention to their Shepherd and whatever it is that He’s up to.
Good thing my Shepherd carries a frying pan.
Wednesday, August 06, 2014
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