By: Adam McClendon
www.newlineministries.com
So often, when I think of the 23rd Psalm, I think of
funerals. This reaction seems due in part to that vivid statement at the
beginning of verse 4, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of
death, I will fear no evil….”
However, Psalm 23 is not just an epitaph. It is a Psalm for
the living. This Psalm is describing the Shepherd’s loving care for his
living sheep while providing a confident hope for a future glory.
David begins his Psalm with a simple confession, “The Lord is my shepherd….” So much
truth and comfort can be found in that simple statement; however, one question
particularly stands out to me at this stage in my spiritual walk: Do I yield to
the shepherding hand of God in every area of my life?
Do I acknowledge God as the Shepherding Lord that he is even when
I’m at work? When I’m at home? What about late at night when
everyone is asleep? What about business trips? After all, what
happens at Vegas…well, God still sees.
The Good Shepherd has a purpose in leading his sheep down the right
path for his name’s sake. Am I faithfully following for the glory of his
name?
Do I seek to be sensitive to his shepherding-touch even in the
midst of the mundane moments of life? For example, what about when I’m in
the grocery store? Am I seeking his guidance, looking to his leadership
in how I use the money he has given me, how I control my eyes, my tongue, and
my actions while I’m there as a testimony for his name’s sake? When I’m
mowing the lawn, am I sensitive to the Shepherd’s guidance? Am I open to
his prompting to mow the neighbor’s yard, pray for my children, or quit mowing
and go inside and spend time with my spouse? When at work, am I open to
him guiding me through his agenda for my day versus what my Outlook calendar says?
These are important questions that are prompted when I seek to live
under the Shepherding hand of God.
May God help me to see and submit to his leadership, glorifying him
in all that I do. For, the Lord is my Shepherd.
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