Back to Basics

A few Sunday's ago, I wrote about the American flags that I counted on my ride to the church where I am teaching - how they reminded me of the 23rd Psalm. You may be asking how they are related? They are both basics of our faith in God and country. Every time I see an American flag now - I recite it or ponder the verses of that Psalm and all they mean.

Today my phone has rung off the hook since I got home from church. Some calls were precious and special - but many were about the needs of hurting people. As I came upstairs to write today's post I asked the LORD what HE wanted me to share. And (again) He brought me back to the basics. Here's the version [KJV] that most of us know from memory - BUT - let's look at it - in just a little more light! This is what He gave me - and somebody out there needs this TODAY!

The 23rd Psalm

1The LORD is my Shepherd;

[I have a Leader who loves & cares about me]

I shall not want.
[There is nothing He won't supply for me.]

2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:

He allows me to rest in pleasant places when I need to]

He leadeth me beside the still waters.
[He takes me to a quiet place to replenish me]

3 He restoreth my soul:

[In His arms my soul is revived and restored]

He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness

[He guides me gently into His right paths]

for His name's sake.

[He does all this to bring glory to His Name]

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

[Even when my circumstance seem unbearable...]

I will fear no evil:

[They won't overtake me:]

for Thou art with me;

[When I allow Him to remain with me;]

Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

[His shepherding "tools" of love - through His Word - will comfort my heart]

5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:

[He bids me 'come and dine' with Him - in the midst of my turmoil]

Thou anointest my head with oil;

[He pours Himself over me and fills me up]

my cup runneth over.

[His goodness to me overflows - onto others]

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:

For certain - His goodness and compassion pursue me every day]

and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

[and I have the JOY and PRIVILEGE of ETERNAL LIFE - FOREVER - IN HIS PRESENCE]

Choosing JOY,

Stephanie

[Trusting God's Heart]