TWENTY THIRD PSALM IS LIFE'S DAILY GUIDE

"The Lord is my Shepherd. I shall not want."

As a child of ten, the highlight of my week was walking to a nearby church for Sunday school. We memorized Bible scriptures and received little pins when we successfully repeated the scripture to the class. At that time, I did not realize that my family was dysfunctional. My dad was a semi-functioning alcoholic and my mom was a text book "suffering wife of the alcoholic". This was something I finally figured out in my early 40's.

But back to Sunday school. When the Sunday school teacher challenged the class to memorize the 23rd Psalm, I went right to work. I earned my pin and I have been repeating all or part of that Psalm every day since that challenge so long ago. There was something so comforting and powerful when I said "The Lord is my Shepherd. I shall not want." It was so personal.

As an adult, I have learned that "Shepherd" can be replaced with whatever has meaning for each of us at that time. It can be: my leader, guide, hope, friend, future, protector, instructor, teacher, navigator, partner - whatever we need The Shepherd to be for us in that moment! "I shall not want" affirms that The Shepherd provides for us. He is our source of all supply and abundance always. During the years of raising three kids as a single mom, without child support, I prayed this one line many times every day. And, no matter how big the problem seemed to be, God - my Shepherd - was always bigger! The Shepherd provided every time and in every way.

"He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul: He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His Name's sake."

During those years of working two jobs and raising three kids, there were many days when it didn't seem like I could face one more day. But somehow The Shepherd took me from bone-tired to rested and ready for one more day. When things were hectic and peace seemed impossible, I could recite "He leads me beside still waters" and there was calm and a peace in my soul. My soul was restored. During those times when decisions were difficult, my Shepherd led me down the right path. Looking back, I know The Shepherd held my hand.

When I lost my youngest son unexpectedly, my soul was in turmoil. I came back to the 23rd Psalm and again, the Shepherd brought peace and restored my soul.

"Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for He is with me; His rod and His staff comfort me."

This part of the 23rd Psalm has always had special meaning for me. It stilled my racing heart when threats were made and when danger was real. Threats made by an unstable ex-husband were frightening. The actual attempts on my life were terrifying. And, yes, I had a restraining order. I quickly learned that a restraining order is, in reality, a piece of paper. It means nothing to an angry unstable man. It does not stop knives nor prevent a maniac from side swiping your car and attempting to run you off the road. My restraining order was worthless. Again, I went to the 23rd Psalm and my Shepherd protected me. Somehow I knew down deep that my Shepherd was in control and I was comforted.

"He prepares a table before me in the presence of my enemies: He anoints my head with oil; my cup runs over."

When life is less than pleasant, returning to the 23rd Psalm brings such freedom. It doesn't matter what the economy is doing or how many terrible things are reported in the news. It doesn't matter how many friends or family members may have betrayed you. Knowing that The Shepherd blesses each one of His sheep is powerful. Knowing that The Shepherd is in total control brings peace. The mental picture of a cup full and overflowing with good brings hope for the future.

"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."
We have such security knowing that The Shepherd has a special place reserved for each of us in Heaven. Because we have seen the devotion and faithfulness of The Shepherd, we relax knowing that everything is going to be alright. There is no reason to worry about the future. The Shepherd is in control, and we can know with certainty that His promise will be fulfilled.