“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.”
Psalm 23 (KJV)
This is a most interesting poem. One of the best loved ever written. It has comforted more people than any other comfort known to mankind. I grew up watching my mother rely upon this Psalm through every crisis. Because of her example, I tried it but it didn’t work for me. Somehow, saying these words didn’t do for me what they did for mom. What was I missing? Then I discovered that one phrase in this shepherd’s poem unlocks its peace and assurance. This key phrase changed my life. What is that key phrase? “I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”
This is the essential piece of this marvelous chorus of comfort. Why? Because the Lord is only a shepherd to those who have determined to live in his house for ever. It is only they who may expect all their wants to be supplied. It is only they who will be comforted in green pastures and beside calm waters. Those who have determined that they will live in the Lord’s house forever will enjoy a restored soul. Only they will be led in righteous paths. And yes, when they walk through dangerous valleys under the shadow of death they will not fear any evil because he walks with them and they have the comfort of his protection and security. It is because they have determined to live in his house forever that the LORD feeds them despite their enemies, heals them despite their enemies, blesses them with overflowing blessings despite their enemies. And of course, it is because they have determined to live in his house forever that they can sing, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.”
If we want the comfort and assurance of Psalm 23, we must do the most important part: decide to dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Dear Father, we bow before you because you are our Shepherd and Lord. Thank you for your grace and mercy, your peace and assurance. Father, I ask you to comfort us with the rod and staff of your word. Empower each person who reads this prayer to decide to live in your house forever. This I pray in Jesus’ name. AMEN
Let us praise God for his goodness and live to his glory,