The Lord is My Shepherd

Copyright: spetenfia lamb with shepherd

The Lord is my Shepherd–There is nothing I want or need more than you, Lord.

He makes me lie down in green pastures. He provides for me and gives me peace beyond my comprehension.

He leads me beside quiet waters. Like streams in the desert, my Lord gives me peace in the midst of conflict and worldly stress.

He refreshes my soul. In His presence, in the quiet of the morning, He holds me close. He gives me strength and boldness for the day.

He guides me along the right paths for His names sake. As I seek Him, I find Him on the path of life. He teaches me deep things from His word that I apply to every-day circumstances.

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, the valley of the shadow of death, I am not afraid because I know He is with me.

Your rod and your staff, they comfort me. I have confidence as God leads me along right paths. Even if I wander, He is faithful to find me and set my feet on solid ground. Thank you, Lord.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. Sometimes I think I cannot bear the conflict or persecution, but you are always with me, encouraging me, making me strong.

You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Your mercies are new every morning, more than I can imagine but just what I need–not just for me but enough that spills over into the lives of those you give me.

I know your goodness and love will be with me all the days of my life. This is something I testify about to others so they might have the same assurance I do.

The best part is knowing I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. I will live in your presence and experience your love and mercy today and into eternity.

THANK YOU, JESUS.

In Sickness and in Health

Photo by Manuela Adler on Pexels.com

Part of the wedding vows are, “In sickness and in health.” When we’re in love and everything is wonderful, we don’t often think of taking care of our loved one. I don’t feel like I have the gifts of a caregiver, so when my husband gets sick or has a surgery I have to pray for a larger measure of compassion. Sometimes when I am overwhelmed, I have to carry out caregiving duties with fear and trembling. I want to be a blessing, but I certainly don’t want to hurt him by being a blessing.

During one season of my life, I remember as soon as I slipped into bed, I heard my name. “Sue, I need a pain pill,” or “Sue, would you bring me a glass of water,” or “Sue, I have to go to the bathroom.” To be honest, I wanted to change my name, but each time I got under the covers, I quoted the 23rd Psalm:

“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures: he leads me beside quiet waters” (Psalm 23:1-2). These verses became a prayer I prayed over and over, and when I did, I found God’s peace cover me. He empowered me with love and compassion to get through the “in sickness” part of marriage.

THINK ABOUT IT

I was a girl in elementary school when I memorized the 23rd Psalm. Many years had passed, but God comforted me with this Scripture. I can’t imagine how that could have happened if I had not read the Bible or memorized Scripture. That’s why it’s important to make reading God’s word a habit. At just the right time, a verse or passage will come to mind and be a comfort.

PRAY ABOUT IT

Thank you, Heavenly Father, for Godly parents who taught me about You and showed me how to read the Bible. Thank you for forgiving me for the times I’ve chosen my ways over yours. Thank you for strengthening me to live in the reality of my salvation. I pray this for my readers. In Jesus’ name, Amen.