It’s really impossible to improve upon the beautiful and poetic psalms of David. Psalm 23 has the benefit of being a well-known, oft-memorized favorite. So it also has some wonderful memories attached for me.
I remember reading it as a child and being enthralled by the imagery. Luxurious green pastures. Cool, refreshing still waters. A banquet table just for me and a cup overflowing with something good. Such beautiful promises.
However, even in David’s magnificent poem of praise, life isn’t all butterflies and rainbows. There is a valley of the shadow of death that, for some reason, I have to walk through. There are rods and staffs of discipline and correction. And my enemies are hanging around my banquet table.
Through it all David reminds his readers of one very important fact. God is with me the whole time. He’s providing the good respites and protecting me during the dark times. He is feeding and encouraging and guiding and loving me at every step in my journey.
Today’s verse is the last verse in the chapter, and what a magnificent ending. Not only is God with me, David reminds me that I can’t shake Him. God pursues me with His goodness. He chases after me with His faithful love when I wander off like a dolt. He says, “Hey! Where are you going?! The good stuff, my loving mercy, joy, peace, and hope are over this way.” He says, “Come back home with me. I’ve got a spot just for you, and it’s beautiful. You’re gonna love it!”
Dear God,
I want to dwell in your beautiful house forever. I want to be where the grass is green and the water is cool and refreshing. Thank you for following me, for pursuing me. Forgive me for thinking any solutions to any of my problems can be found somewhere apart from you. Thank you for joining me and holding my hand in the dark. I trust you to show me the quickest way through. I accept your forgiveness, your love, and your beautiful, undeserved blessings.
CamDevo 