This morning, as I was spending time with the Lord, He directed me to Psalm 23. This Psalm is commonly read out and displayed on the order of service at funerals. The Lord was showing me today, this verse has more to do with life than eternity. It has recommendations, directions, conclusions, rewards and promises. It’s a verse that fits so well with our current situation as we continue to walk in called isolation or lockdown.
Psalm 23 (Passion Translation NT)
THE GOOD SHEPHERD
David’s poetic praise to God
1 The Lord is my best friend and my shepherd.
I always have more than enough.
2 He offers a resting place for me in his luxurious love.
His tracks take me to an oasis of peace, the quiet brook of bliss.
3 That’s where he restores and revives my life.
He opens before me pathways to God’s pleasure
and leads me along in his footsteps of righteousness
so that I can bring honour to his name.
4 Lord, even when your path takes me through
the valley of deepest darkness,
fear will never conquer me, for you already have!
You remain close to me and lead me through it all the way.
Your authority is my strength and my peace.
The comfort of your love takes away my fear.
I’ll never be lonely, for you are near.
5 You become my delicious feast
even when my enemies dare to fight.
You anoint me with the fragrance of your Holy Spirit;
you give me all I can drink of you until my heart overflows.
6 So why would I fear the future?
For your goodness and love pursue me all the days of my life.
Then afterwards, when my life is through,
I’ll return to your glorious presence to be forever with you!
I believe the Lord has a personal message through this Psalm for you today and others. Here is your challenge today, read through this Psalm, take your time on each verse and ask Him to show you the following;
1. The verses that are especially significant to you today and others.
2. Why these verses are especially significant to the season you and others are in right now?
3. How these verses are especially significant to the season we are about to step into whether it be personally, family, business or ministry?
4. Write down all the Lord shows you whether it’s for you or others. Then ask Him how to act on them.
5. Thank Him for all He has shown you today.
Father, I thank for your word in season.
How it is specifically for the season we are in and the one to come.
I ask that you will reveal to us your will, leadings and help us to advance your kingdom through it.
Amen!
Craig and Winnie Patten
Itinerate Pastors / Apostolic Leaders
Encounter Ministries
