Psalm 23:1-3
The Lord is my shepherd;
I have all that I need.
He lets me rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams.
He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.
How often can you honestly say, “I have all that I need”? We live in a society consumed by consumption and needy for the endless list of things we believe we need. According to ads and marketing campaigns, you will never have everything you need. That would be bad for business! But our hearts don’t have to listen to all that noise. Instead, we can choose to listen to the nurturing and comforting truth of scripture that affirms how God cares for us and meets our needs, even giving us times of rest and renewal “beside peaceful streams.” David understood that if you can sit and rest in a green meadow and lay down peacefully beside a quiet stream, then your needs must be satisfied. If your heart is at peace with God, you have all that you truly need.
Before becoming king, David was a shepherd. It was not a glamorous occupation, but it must have had its moments. David probably remembered peaceful days out with his flock, resting safely in a meadow or relaxing beside quiet water. Part of a shepherd’s job was to protect the flock from predators, but far more often, a shepherd simply kept the sheep on “right paths,” moving securely from one good place to another. When our needs are met and we feel safe from the world’s dangers, we can rest peacefully in God’s goodness. David knew those moments as a shepherd, and he rejoiced that God his Shepherd cared for him with provision and protection.
When God leads you to the quiet waters, take advantage of the peace you find there. So often, life is hard and chaotic. We deal with troubles and worry about the uncertain future. It’s easy to make anxiety and fear daily habits. So, when you find a green meadow or a peaceful stream, let yourself drink deeply and renew your strength. God knows that you need those moments of peace and restoration. He knows your limits, and while Jesus told us that this world would bring us trouble (John 16:33), He also promised always to be with us (Matthew 28:20). The Shepherd supplies what you need. He leads you to places of rest and renewal. He guides you safely and will never leave you alone.
Gracious God, You are my Shepherd. Thank You for caring for me and for protecting me from the dangers of this world. Give me times of rest and places of healing, so I can bring honor to Your name. I ask this through Jesus my Lord. Amen.
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Pastor Mike Mirakian
