Today’s Reading:
Psalm 23
"The Lord is my Shepherd; I will lack nothing.” (Psalm 23:1)
Some professions are rated higher than others in most parts of the world, some because of their economic importance while others due to monetary values attached to them. Being a driver or shepherd cannot be compared with someone who is a doctor. Now imagine someone who employs a well-respected and powerful person to be his driver. Such a person must be more powerful and influential himself. Now imagine God being your Shepherd. It is the greatest privilege; I have ever seen when the Lord is now your Shepherd. The Psalmist lists about eleven benefits attached to this:
You will lack nothing: It means I will have everything I need since it is the Lord who is shepherding me. Everything you need as a child of God, he will provide. The fact that you experience lack is either God didn’t provide because you don’t need it at all or he is making the provision which will soon be available. Just like parents cannot withstand their children groping in lack likewise God cannot be looking at his children experiencing lack.
He will make you lie down in green pastures: Lying down in green pastures means experiencing rest (lying down) amid plenty (pastures).
He will lead you beside the still waters: Water signifies refreshment. Water is life and without it, one cannot survive. God leads us to where we can be refreshed so that the journey of life will not be difficult.
He will restore your soul: Restoration is to bring things back to their formal state of originality. If you have lost anything in the journey of life or the devil has tampered with anything in your life be rest assured that God of restoration is always available to bring you back to your glorious state.
He will lead you in the path of righteousness: God’s leading is one of the advantages children of God have over the unbeliever. He is always available to lead us on the right path of life. He teaches us how to live righteously in this unrighteous world.
In the face of death, no cause for alarm: Death cannot claim the life of any child of God without God’s approval. When Satan asked to torment Job, God told him never to touch his life. Death for a child of God is not the end, it is a transition into glory. A child of God has no fear of death because he has nothing to lose in this corrupt world rather, he will face eternity with all courage. Apostle Paul says in Philippians 1:21, the bible says for to me to live is Christ and to die is gain.
His presence is with me: God's abiding presence is a sure thing we are enjoying as children of God. You can be sure that God is with you everywhere and every time. This should give you the confidence to confront any challenges of life. The devil cannot scare you because you are not alone.
His rod and staff comfort me: Perhaps the shepherd had one staff that he used to rescue straying sheep and also used as a rod to drive away the wolves. Also, the rod is used to mildly discipline the sheep. The Bible teaches us that God disciplines those whom he receives as sons that we may share in his holiness (Hebrews 12:5-13). Discipline helps us become better children of God because God will not raise spoilt children as no spoilt child will enter into glory here and hereafter.
He prepares a table in the presence of the enemy: This signifies that God hosts us as a guest. In the ancient time, the honour given to guests is great. God now does this in the presence of the enemy, to tell the enemy how important we are. How do you think the enemy will feel if you are enjoying the meal God prepares and he is there with you, the enemy will be annoyed but he can’t do anything.
Anointing that overflows: Anointing is for greater assignment. The oil comes upon a child of God for separation. This separation is for a high level of assignment. This is another benefit when we make God our shepherd.
Goodness and mercy will follow me: In the original context, it means goodness and mercy will pursue you all the days of your life. Once God is your shepherd, everywhere you go goodness and mercy have no choice but to follow you just like an entourage follows some well-placed men in society. What a great person you are all because God is your shepherd.
Dwelling in God’s house forever: Dwelling in God’s house could depict two things: enjoying God’s presence and having a place of shelter or safety. If anyone is looking for a child of God, he cannot be found in any other place than the house of God, he is forever secured in God’s house.
JAMES ALADE
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud:
Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I believe and surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart, keep me from all evil, and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank You, Lord! If you said the above short prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and report to the resident reverend, pastor or priest, as the case may be.
Prayer:
Father, I thank you for your word, help me to be the doer and not the hearer alone in Jesus' name
May you be my shepherd now and forever in Jesus' name.
Nothing will take your place in my life henceforth in Jesus' name
I receive all that I have lost in Jesus' name.
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