Tuesday, 3/25/2014 God Pause Psalm 23 Psalm 23 must be the favorite of nearly every believer. This psalm (and its God) is present in times of death and tragedy, with you when you are lonely and confused and merciful and forgiving when you sin against God and each other. Not only does this God comfort and restore, but also leads you in following your Lord. Notice, however, how each one of us should not only talk about God but talk to God. Notice also that this is not primarily a demand but rather it is good news. No wonder we pray, Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long. O Lord, teach us to pray and to know that with you as our shepherd, goodness and mercy continue to follow us all our days and that you promise that our dwelling place will always be with you. Amen. Marc Kolden Professor Emeritus of Systematic Theology Psalm 23 (NRSV) 1 The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; 3 he restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his names sake. 4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff—they comfort me 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long.
Posted on: Wed, 26 Mar 2014 01:09:14 +0000