Read these soothing words in the Living Bible translation.  And try not to rush it.

Psalm 23

“Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I need!

He lets me rest in the meadow grass and leads me beside the quiet streams.  He gives me new strength.  He helps me do what honors him the most.

Even when walking through the dark valley of death I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me, guarding, guiding all the way.

You provide delicious food for me in the presence of my enemies.  You have welcomed me as your guest;  blessings overflow!

Your goodness and unfailing kindness shall be with me all of my life, and afterwards I will live with you forever in your home.”

 

Our tendency would be to skim, to race, to fly through those words.  I think, rather, God would have us contemplate, soak it in, allow quietness.

I noticed something about this passage.  God is the “doer”.  He is the one reaching out to us and providing peace and rest.  Look at   some of the wording here.

The Lord IS my Shepherd.

He LETS me rest in the meadow of grass.

He LEADS me beside the quiet streams

He GIVES me new strength

He HELPS me do what honors Him most

He is CLOSE beside me

He GUARDS and GUIDES all along the way

He PROVIDES in the midst of my enemies

He WELCOMES me as His guest

And these things come from HIM:  Blessings overflowing, goodness, unfailing kindness, and I get to live in His house forever!

 

More than we could have ever dreamed to ask for from a huge God, King of the Universe.

Do you know you are being pursued by a loving God?  Slow down your pace of life a bit and let Him catch you.  It’s what your spirit has been longing for all along.

– Susie Stewart

 

Photo:  Susie Stewart