the 23rd Psalm

I've been going through a dry patch spiritually speaking. I know I haven't been trusting God like I should. I've been asking Him to help, and He's sent some fun surprises along the way. Just yesterday I found what you are about to read in an old journal. God showed me this a few years ago, and has brought it to me now, when I desperately needed the reminder. I will write it as I did then--The italics are God's Word, and the regular type is the impressions I had while trying to flesh it out a bit. I hope it encourages you.

Psalm 23

The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want...

Because He gives me everything I need.

Because it is a sin to covet.

Because I desire to be generous.

He makes me lie down in green pastures...

He causes me to rest because He knows that I need it,

and He loves me. The pasture is green--it provides food

and a soft place to rest (comfort).

He leads me beside quiet waters...

He--the King of kings, Creator of the universe

leads--shows me the way

me--"What is man that you are mindful of him?" ~Psalm 8:4 "You are

worth more than many sparrows." ~Matthew 10:31

quiet waters--easy crossing, refreshing to cool off, peaceful

He restores my soul.

He doesn't leave me to my own devices. Philippians 1:6

He guides me in paths of righteousness (good works)

"In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths." ~Proverbs 3:5-6

"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works,

which God has prepared in advance for us to do." ~Ephesians 2:10

For His name's sake.

God is passionate about His glory.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I fear no evil, for You are with me.

Wow! God has promised to never leave us or forsake us--and

He really doesn't. ~Hebrews 13:5

Your rod and your staff they comfort me.

Your rod corrects me, your staff brings me back. ~Hebrews 12:5-6

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.

We don't escape trouble, but you provide for us regardless. ~John 16:33

You are with us in the presence of our enemies.

You have anointed my head with oil.

"a healing balm"

My cup overflows.

I have everything I need--and more.

"I have come that they may have life,

and have it to the full." ~John 10:10

He has given us everything we need for life and godliness. ~2 Peter 1:3

Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life.

At this point, it could be helpful to do a word study on the Hebrew word "hesed".

It helped me!

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

~Psalm 27:4

~John 15:5