“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.
Have you ever considered the most important part of this shepherd’s poem? O, you didn’t know that one part is more important than all the others? Didn’t you know that one part is the key upon which all the other parts hang? Let us consider it together, for a moment. What part is the most important part? “I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”
Oh yes, that is the essential piece of this marvelous chorus of comfort. Because the Lord is only the shepherd of 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 may 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 beyond imagination despite their enemies. And of course, it is because they have determined to live in his house forever that enables them to sing, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.” If we want the comforts of Psalm 23, we must do the most important part: decide to dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Dear Father, thank you for your grace and mercy. We have decided to live in your house forever. Forgive us our sin and deliver us from temptations that we may indeed endure to the end. This I pray in Jesus’ name. AMEN
Let us praise God for his comfort and live to comfort others