“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)
For me, the redeeming part of birthdays is the extemporaneous praise that friends and family give to the celebrating person. I particularly appreciate the tributes given to a special woman whose birthday is today. She has been steadfast in her faith to Christ for seventy-four of her eighty-five years. As long as she was physically able, she attended church and taught a Sunday School class. Despite her disadvantaged life of hardship and economic trials, she never wavered in her faith. Psalm 23 is her foundation of faith, and she has often shared that refuge and strength with those around her. The comforts of this passage have kept her going when the winds of discomfort and need have tried to blow her away.
Throughout the years, her life has impacted those in her church family as well as her neighbors. She has encouraged them in the midst of doubts, illnesses, and family crisis. Many neighbors and friends have cited her joyful spirit, her encouraging visits, her commitment to God, and her intercessory praying. Everyone who knows her, knows of her commitment to her church.
She has given her children unconditional love and encouragement. She taught them to love God and to faithfully worship in his house. Her health is failing these days, and she is confined to her bed; but she still has a positive attitude. The nursing home staff reports that she is usually jolly despite her inability to speak easily and clearly. We do not understand why she is in her present physical condition, but we know the Lord is her shepherd and she is safe in his care.
Why am I telling you about this special woman? Because this dear lady is my mother, Mrs. Ruby Smith. And most of all, I tell you about her because she has faithfully followed the Shepherd, Jesus Christ.
Dear Father, thank you for a mother who taught me to love and worship you. Bless her today with your presence. May she dwell in your house for ever. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be encouraged today in faithfulness to our shepherd, Jesus Christ,