Rita's Beacon

Psalm 23, a psalm of David, is full of healing words millions of people have memorized and meditated upon over the centuries. They have comforted people in times of challenge, temptation, sickness and loss.

I memorized the 23rd Psalm when I was a child, perhaps you did, too. It continues to have fresh meaning for me.

Do you ever, in the morning, evening or some other time during the day, take a passage of Scripture and think about it awhile? The Word of God renews your mind, and sometimes a certain part of it will be healing to you and speak to you in a personal way.

As I was reading the 23rd Psalm recently, I could see in it major keys for healing the soul and confirmation of several other insights received through praying for others and myself. Lets look at it together.

The LORD is my Shepherd

When you think about this first phrase, you may put emphasis on different words in it. For instance, The Lord is my Shepherd does not speak of another human being the shepherd, but about God Himself.

There is a tendency in human beings to want to control others, and even in Christian circles it may come out, though in Christianish wrappings. If others try to Lord it over us, we must obey God as did Peter, and the other Apostles.

When religious leaders tried to dominate and persecute them they responded, We ought to obey God rather than men. (Acts 5:28-29 KJV)

God does give under-shepherds in the Church to guide us. He knows that we need them. But those truly sent by God will have the characteristics of our Lord and not try to replace Him in our lives.

The LORD is my Shepherd

A shepherd is someone who loves his flock, tends his flock, cares for them when they are tired or sick, and would lay down his life for them.

That is the kind of good Shepherd Jesus was and is. He laid down His life for us. If He had not given His life for us, there would be no spiritual healing for spirit, soul, or body. Without Him there is no wholeness now or ever.

There is no other Shepherd. Jesus Himself said, I am the good Shepherd: the good Shepherd gives His life for the sheep, (John 10:11 NKJV) He is the only One who knows all about us and therefore, knows exactly what we need.

The LORD is my Shepherd

This emphasizes the personal. The Psalm is referring to our first and most important healing experience, salvation. Jesus could be someone elses Shepherd, thats great, but it will not help you.

Is He your Shepherd? If youve asked Him to be, then you have access to the range of a thousand hills, the everlasting spring-fed streams, and tender care when youre hurting, wounded, or sick.

Jesus said, My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: and I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish: neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. (John 10:27-28 NKJV)

There are six promises Jesus gives His sheep in this verse:

You will hear His voice.

He knows you personally.

You follow Him.

You have eternal life.

You will never perish.

No one can take you from His loving hands.

Pray with me. I claim these promises in Psalm 23 to be mine. Please be my personal Good Shepherd, Jesus. Forgive me from straying from the fold and away from the safety of Your presence. Help me always to hear and know Your voice, so I will come when You call me. Thank You for the awesome gift of eternal life, and for the safety of being in Your care, supported by loving, nail-pierced hands. Amen.

Join me next time for the Series of "Psalm 23 for you and me."