In the twenty-third Psalm, the Holy Spirit provides what you need to make your life count for God in 2019. Whatever issues you may face this Psalm provides the biblical framework for you to make a difference for God. This wonderful psalm is for everyday life and the trials and pressures of each day.
The psalm provides two great truths to give stability and comfort for your life:
God is your shepherd (verses 1-2).
The Lord is my shepherd;
I have all that I need.
He lets me rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams.
The first two verses of Psalm 23 make a beautiful, comforting statement: God is your shepherd! What kind of shepherd do you think God is going to be to you? Will he be forgetful of your needs? Will he ignore you when you call?
David knew what kind of shepherd his God was. So he makes the bold statement that if God is his shepherd he had no needs. He will provide green pastures and peaceful streams.
The immediate response you could make is where are those green pastures and peaceful streams, when life is hard. You could say your life is anything but peaceful. David using the green pastures and peaceful streams as metaphors to describe the blessing of God’s presence in your life. Because he is with you, nothing is happening by accident. Psalm 23 does not ignore the harsh realities and pain of life. But it does say that the nearness of God to you is your greatest good.
God provides what you want you need (verse 3).
He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.
Look at what God provides — the strength and the direction to bring honor to his name. In 2019 is this your goal — to bring honor to God’s name? If you are committed to God he will give you all the strength you need to follow him. He has given the life of his Son as a guarantee that he can be taken at his word.
So when things seem overwhelming or out of control start with reality that God is your Shepherd. He is faithfully caring for you, even in the storm. Teach this comfort of God being your shepherd to your children. He is your peace, your hope, your green pasture.
Consider these two comforting realities:
God is your Shepherd and God provides what you need.
These principles will be the pillars of truth you need as you enter 2019.