Terri's BlogChristian perspective on today's issues.

The 23 Pcalm

And if, no, it isn’t a typo, but done on purpose, as I’ll explain.  You realize, of course, that many times in the English language that the letter C is used like an S, as in receipt, receive, and concept, for example.  So Pcalm could conceivably be pronounced just like Psalm, right?  But I like my spelling because reading this chapter really Calms me and gives me great peace, knowing we have a God who loves us as much as this chapter says.
The subtitle in my Bible says this is a psalm – hymn – of David.  Like many of the old hymns we sing from memory we can probably recite this chapter from memory, also.  But have you ever just read the words of those hymns? They are incredibly beautiful words of Praise and Thanks!   Very inspirational.  Someday you should take the time to read some of those old hymns.  (Just don’t do it during the sermon, ok?)
Have you ever really read each verse of the 23rd Psalm?  Let’s do it now, as if you were in my class.  By the way, I don’t normally use the King James Version, but we will recognize it better in the KJV.
THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD – In the ancient Near East, kings were commonly known as the shepherd of their people, and God IS the King of Kings.
I SHALL NOT WANT – expressed differently in two other versions: I shall not be in want; I have what I need.
HE MAKES ME LIE DOWN IN GREEN PASTURES – get that picture in your mind. I believe it means “with Him”.  How calming is that?
HE LEADETH ME BESIDE STILL (quiet, Calm) WATERS. – got that picture? Relaxing, huh?
HE RESTORETH MY SOUL – He renews my faith, strength, vitality, my Life!
HE LEADETH ME IN THE PATHS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS FOR HIS NAMESAKE – He leads us down right paths, which will bring Him honor, and joy to us.
EVEN THOUGH I WALK THROUGH THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW OF DEATH –
our Lord has already walked through the valley of death, and He will protect us.
I WILL FEAR NO EVIL, FOR THOU ART WITH ME – How could we fear anything when our Lord walks with us?
THY ROD AND THY STAFF, THEY COMFORT ME – pretty self-explanatory, but note who is wielding them 😁.
-Now we come to a transition: David goes from talking ABOUT God, to talking TO God.  The image switches from shepherd to friend.
YOU PREPAREST A TABLE BEFORE ME IN THE PRESENCE OF MY ENEMIES – think about two things here: 1) God Himself has prepared the table, and for WHO?  WOW. Can you begin to imagine what that spread would look like?  At first, I thought it might look like our service of the Lord’s Supper, but no, that is a special ceremony for believers.   2) and your enemies are watching GOD do this for YOU.  What effect would that have on the enemy?
THOU ANNOINTEST MY HEAD WITH OIL – This was done for honored guests, and God is doing it for US.  What does that tell you about how much He thinks of us?
MY CUP RUNNETH OVER – We have more than we need!
SURELY GOODNESS AND MERCY SHALL FOLLOW ME ALL THE DAYS OF MY LIFE – the Christian Standard Bible describes it this way: “goodness and faithful love (from God) will pursue us all the days of our life”.      Pursue us!  As long as we live.
AND I WILL DWELL IN THE HOUSE OF THE LORD FOR EVER.  Jesus said “In my Father’s house are many rooms…”  and one has your name on it.  For eternity.

Now, just read it all the way through, for yourself. Use another version if you like.
Comforting, (calming?) isn’t it?  Every verse has that purpose.
I pray that you now know and understand the love, provision, and protection that our Father has for us believers.  I also pray that your understanding brings a Calm and a Peace and increased faith every time you read Psalm 23, which I encourage you to do often. What security we have as children of God, amen?
If you are sure of your salvation, read this chapter with a heart of gratitude.  If you can’t say you are sure, know you CAN BE.  1 John 5:13 says “I have written these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may KNOW you have eternal life.”  And I can think of a dozen more verses that also assure you of your salvation.
If you don’t know Christ as your personal savior, and you want the love and peace that is expressed in God’s Word, pray to Him now.  Ask Him to come into your heart and surrender your life to Him.  He will accept you just as you are right now, and will lead you to a new, free, forgiven life.  You will experience a joy and peace you’ve never had before.   Then find a friend who goes to church and ask them to take you along.  Or reach out to us here at Terriclarkministries.org.   We will gently and lovingly lead you.     Again, do it now.  Don’t let anything or anyone stop you from becoming a child of God.  No one loves you as much as He does, and He’s asking you to let Him show you.

Mike Jared
TCM Board Member