Psalms 23: 1“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. Vs 2 “He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. Vs 3 “He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.”
Dear God,
Thank You for this new day, and for the continuing life You have granted me.
I am grateful that I can freely read Your word and study it.
Today, I have been really struck by the fact that from the murder of Abel by his brother Cain, Your creation very quickly became totally wicked. Cain and Abel were the first generation from Adam and Eve, who had been created by You as two perfect people created Your image, and now one of these sons will not be obedient and thought Your judgement was hard upon him, regarding this disobedience and for killing his brother the one who had been obedient to You and had his offering accepted by you.
I also could become rebellious and disobedient, and also not know how far I had departed from You, if I also allow myself to substitute my own self originated opinions on how to obey, worship and serve You. I have read in Your word, that my safe guard is to humbly bow at Your feet, and learn that I was born sinful (as were Cain and Abel), and that my only hope is to come to You, confessing my sins, believing I have been heard, and then in the strength, wisdom, love and power that You give me, walk Your way and as a sheep follows its shepherd, I will be following the Master every place He goes, knowing that I will not want for any essential, both physical and spiritual. You will lead me places that are good for my soul as well as fulfilling all my needs.
I know that You will not remove the temptations given by Satan to me, but I also know that I only have to ask, and You will provide my defence against him. I rest on the promises within Psalm 23:3 ‘He restores my soul’ as well as ‘He leads me in paths of righteousness for His names sake.’ How fulfilling to know, not only will you feed and nurture my soul, and You will not just show me, but lead me down the paths that will produce righteousness within me.
Thank You God for Your love and provision for me and us all. Today in Your strength I determine to follow You as Your obedient child.
Amen