Psalm 23 The Lord is My Shepherd

This is probably the most popular psalm of them all. It uses the image of a shepherd to describe God and his relationship with his people. Though the sheep in mind throughout the psalm is Israel, David personalizes his relationship with God. God is a shepherd to Israel, but he is also "my shepherd." It is impossible to claim a relationship with God Almighty unless I am able to express my unique relationship with him.

"I shall not want." My shepherd is my provider. He takes care of all my needs. I may not get all I want, but I most certainly will get all that I need. My shepherd provides food, water, and also care for the soul. My shepherd leads me and guides me on the paths he has chosen for me. He knows where he is going. All I need to do is follow and I am guaranteed to find all I need.

And even when those paths may be full of darkness lurking with danger, I can trust that my shepherd will protect me and get me through safely. A shepherd uses a rod as a defensive weapon against bandits and wild beasts when they try to steal or devour a sheep. The staff is a tool designed to keep the sheep together and avoid anyone going astray. It has a hook at the end that the shepherd can use to place it around the neck and pull the sheep to its place.

The Lord is my Shepherd. He will protect me even in the most dangerous circumstances of life. He fights for me. He looks out for me. Knowing that God is by my side even in the darkest hours of life is a great comfort to me. It brings peace to my mind and gives hope to my soul.

Father, My Shepherd, thank you for your provision and protection. I rest in comfort and peace under your care. May I always follow your lead all the days of my life. Amen.

Psalm 5 Lead Me In Your Righteousness

The Greeks thought that righteousness was a virtue. The Jews thought righteousness was achieved by works. But righteousness is a relational term. We are not born with it and we cannot work for it. David prays to God: "Lead me in your righteousness." True righteousness is born out of faith in God, particularly in his ability to judge and to save. Righteousness is present in the life of the believer who lives in faith that God’s justice/judgment/salvation will usher in a new heaven and a new earth where righteousness dwells. Righteousness is not passive; it is to be pursued because ultimately, righteousness is found in God and we should pray that he leads us in his righteousness not our own or any other's.

As we live our lives in this world, we can trust that God, in his righteousness, will always love what is right and always hate what is evil. There is no chance for anyone who sets his life towards wickedness. God in his righteousness, justice, and love will not allow this to happen. But we must set our hearts towards God and submit to him as our God and King. Like David, we must seek him in prayer every day.

Many are alarmed by David's prayers against unbelievers. Yet, we must remember that the people David speaks of are people who have set their unrepentant hearts against God and gloat in their wicked ways. David's prayers serve as a reminder to the faithful that the wicked will be judged and not get away with their sinful lifestyles. It is also a reminder to the wicked themselves that what awaits them is a final judgment where God will call them to accountability and condemn them if their is no repentance.

But the one who makes God his refuge will rejoice with songs of joy. God promises favor and protection to those who seek him. One must not think that the protection that God offers is to spare us from difficulties in life. No! Many more times than not, the protection of God is for our souls that we may not faint in our faith in the midst of our trials and tribulations in life. Through the ordeals of life, God promises to be a shield for our souls that we may continue to walk with him through it all; that his righteousness may continue to lead our lives.

Father, lead me in your righteousness. Enable me to seek you day by day to walk with you on the path you have chosen for me. Shield my heart from wickedness that I may serve you with joy. Amen.