This week we reflected on the Wisdom for Life found in Psalm 23.

While many may see this Psalm as a special Psalm of Comfort, it is also an important Psalm that teaches us how to navigate life.

The Psalms do this by helping us manage the ups and downs of life in God’s presence.

So how does Psalm 23 help us do this? Actually, there are many gems in Psalms 23. For example, according to Mark Futato, the phrase for you are with me is at the mathematical centre of the Psalm. In the Hebrew original, there are 26 words before this phrase and 26 words after it. The Psalm seeks to reinforce the truth that our Great Shepherd is always present. Even when we do not see Him or sense Him. The Psalm wants us to know that nothing will happen to us without Him knowing about it. The Psalm wants us to know there is nothing that can so overcome us that we are lost to the Shepherd.
The Psalm reminds us that God leads us along the right paths.

In fact, the Psalm says that God stakes His reputation on these things. Look at verse 3 again. It says, He guides me along right paths for His Name’s sake. This does not mean that life is struggle-free. Just look at the life of Jesus. It was not struggle-free.

What, then, is our response to be in the ups and downs of life? What is our response when things are good, boring or difficult?
According to Psalm 23, our job is to trust Him and follow Him daily. Just as the sheep would trust the shepherd to lead them to ‘green pastures’ every day.

This is a daily choice and a daily challenge, isn’t it? The challenge is to listen out for God’s voice first before the other loud voices drown this out. To spend time with Him in prayer and reading of His Word and in worship.
These are things that we need to learn to practise or else we will lose sight of the Shepherd and choose to wander off to some forbidden spaces.

• My prayer for you is:
• May you hear the voice of the Shepherd, Jesus Christ, as He calls you to follow Him today.
• May His voice encourage you and strengthen you in your inner being.
• May you know His peace and His provision for today.

In Jesus’ Name – Amen Ray

John 10: 27-28:

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.

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