God's Active Presences
By Julia Fowler, Worship Arts Pastor
More than a dozen times (without exaggeration) the 23rd Psalm has made its presence obvious in my life the past two weeks. It actually started a week ago last Sunday morning. I woke, went through my normal routine of preparing for the day, got dressed, picked up a few things around the house and sat down to spend a few minutes with the Lord. I’ve been reading through Colossians again but it just wasn’t speaking to me that morning. I did one of those flip through things and landed in the book of Psalms. After scrolling through a few pages I stopped at this familiar passage and as I began to scan its text, I realized I could sense God’s Spirit very presently with me. I remember struggling as I read to try and keep my mind focused on both the text as well as the clear revelation that I wasn’t alone. It was a good morning and a better reminder that God’s active presences in our lives takes on many characteristics.
Wondrously enough, just this morning I received a really good outline via email that contained the 23rd Psalm along with some relevant descriptive characteristics by each of its lines. Reading through it furthered enriched the truths I believe about God. Perhaps you will feel the same sense of security and peace as you read it today.
Psalm 23
The Lord is my Shepherd = That's Relationship!
I shall not want = That's Supply!
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures = That's Rest!
He leadeth me beside the still waters = That's Refreshment!
He restoreth my soul = That's Healing!
He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness = That's Guidance!
For His name sake = That's Purpose!
Y ea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death = That's Testing!
I will fear no evil = That's Protection!
For Thou art with me = That's Faithfulness!
Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me = That's Discipline!
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies = That's Hope!
Thou annointes t my head with oil = That's Consecration!
My cup runn eth over = That's Abundance!
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life = That's Blessing!
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord = That's Security!
Forever = That's Eternity!
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