Reflecting on Psalm 23
How many of us would like to have more tranquility in our lives? If so, take your devotional time today, pick up your Bible and read the 23rd Psalm.
The 23rd Psalm is probably the best known and best loved of all David’s Psalms. Whenever I read it, a feeling of calm comes over me. Why is that? As you read the 23rd Psalm, picture the images that the verses convey. In verses 1 to 3, I feel the tranquility I mentioned earlier. My focus is verse 2b – my mind goes to ‘quiet waters’.
Water is a retreat place for me. The Pontius family is blessed to have waterfront property on the Eastern Shore and we are fortunate to go down many times a year. Upon arrival, I usually walk to the pier, sit and reflect. Where are your retreat place(s)? When all the electronic devices are turned OFF and put away, will it give you the quiet time you need for prayer, Bible study, devotional reading, etc?
The images change in verses 4 to 6. David knows the Lord is with him, as we know He is with us, through thick and thin – with Him beside us on our journey there will be nothing to fear. He will be there to give us comfort. He has prepared a place for us. Good things will follow me and we will dwell with the Lord forever!
How often have we wished for nothing more than to lie down to enjoy peace and quiet – to rest and to revive amid our harried lives? If we think it is God who demands superhuman effort and impossible schedules, we are wrong. God wants us to move steadily forward on our journey through life, but rest and refreshment along the way are an integral part of His plan. Take time today to ‘lie down’ and reflect on Psalm 23.
Written by: Judy Pontius, Wesley Chapel UMC
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