Rev. Junior W. Wimbush
Pastor, Antioch Christian Church (D.O.C.)
In this year you may not have had some of the things you wanted, but you were blessed with what you needed. Today, I would like to direct your attention to Psalm 23. This is a very familiar passage of scripture. In the 23rd Psalm of David, he is thinking of the goodness of God.
Psalm 23:1, the Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. David is saying, “I have everything I need.” Please note that David was very specific in his writing; “I shall not want.” One other point is his reference to the Lord; “He is my shepherd,” David was a shepherd before he became a king. Understanding the meaning and responsibility of a shepherd, he acknowledges the Great Shepherd and honors Him. Psalm 23:2, he maketh me to lie down in green pastures; he leadeth me beside the still waters. In other words, he lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams; he renews my strength; he guides me along right paths, bringing honour to his name.
God brings us to a place of peace. We can rest in Him. Bring your burdens to Him and leave them there. Verse 4. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for thou art with me; thy rod and staff they comfort me. How wonderful it is to know that God is constantly guarding us! We need not worry about anything. We find in scripture that as He provides for the birds of the air, how much more would he provide for us, His children. He protects us from our enemies, the wolves that would devour us. Let us not be concerned about those that lie against us or despitefully use us.
Psalm 23:5, thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. My sisters and brothers, there is always room to get closer to God. If we live by His word, our cup will overflow with blessings. Again, look at the words of the writer. He writes that there will be an overflow. This means that we will have more than enough. There will be an abundance. When there is an overflow, those around us can get a portion of what we have. Jesus is everything we need! Psalm 24:5; he shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
Psalm 23:6, surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. When the day shall come that the Lord will come and take me home, I am assured by this passage of scripture that I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Isn’t it wonderful to know that not only will God protect us, provide for us, guide us, He will also give us a home everlasting with Him? May the grace and peace of the Living God keep you, guide you and protect you all the days of your life.
