PSALM 23

The Lord is my Shepherd... THAT'S RELATIONSHIP!

The Shepherd should never be confused with the sheepherder. The Good Shepherd never leads faster than the oldest and slowest can follow.

I shall not want... THAT'S SUPPLY!

He makes me to lie down in green pastures... THAT'S REST!

At night there is no fear because He is watching. No 'flood' will catch me. He refreshes my thoughts.

He leads me beside still waters... THAT'S REFRESHMENT!

If I will follow and not get off on my own 'thing', Jesus will lead me on the path of God.

He restores my soul... THAT'S HEALING!

He leads me in the paths of righteousness... THAT'S GUIDANCE!

For His name sake... THAT'S PURPOSE!

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death... THAT'S CHALLENGE!

When though fearful, sick or painful times come He will lead me through..and the key word is 'through'. I might be 'scared' but I won't be afraid.

I will fear no evil... THAT'S ASSURANCE!

For you are with me... THAT'S FAITHFULNESS!

Your rod and thy staff they comfort me... THAT'S SHELTER!

Jesus ROD and His STAFF are there not to punish me but to knock down anything that would dare to attack one of His sheep. It brings me comfort to know my BIG BROTHER is stronger than the bully.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies... THAT'S HOPE!

There will always be food on the table. It may not be what I'd like but when the 'world' says; "You're gonna starve"..Jesus brings nurishment. When the doctors say "We've done all we can do"..Jesus has just begun and there is no end to His healing touch.

You anoint my head with oil... THAT'S CONSECRATION!

My cup runs over... THAT'S ABUNDANCE!

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life... THAT'S BLESSING!

If I will be content to walk in His shadow.

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord... THAT'S SECURITY!

To dwell..is more than just a place to hang your hat. It's where you really live. Where you're content..safe..not afraid..not sick, and not afraid of getting sick...and at total peace in the midst of a tornado.

Forever... THAT'S ETERNITY!

[author anonymous]