“The Lord is my Shepherd”
“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.” (Psalm 23:5)
The Lord has the power not only to feed and comfort but also to protect – so that the disciple will enjoy peace and satisfaction even in the presence of enemies. The anointing on the head signifies a warm welcome into a fellowship of abundance of materials blessings, goodness and mercy. Such disposition of great assurance is the need of the man that once said, ‘as the deer pants for the waters, so my soul longs after you…’ The Lord receives glory and honour and worship as the psalmist takes pleasure in the provisions and peace received and assured for a lifetime. The twenty-third Psalm is such a sweet song that lingers on the memory of many a Christian.
At this point in the year, I celebrate victories that are answers to earnest prayers: a mother is holding their very first baby after a 5-year wait in marriage, while another is her last trimester of the first successful pregnancy in 7 years of marriage with a few painful miscarriages. These breakthroughs bring tears of joy, and long-standing questions dissolve into simple praise to the Lord of life. ‘He restores my soul’. On the other hand, I remember a mother’s pain – a prodigal son was only wandering further and further away until I prayed that a troublesome injury would ground him for a time in order that he would reflect on his life and repent. Six months down the road, he is yet to reach that valley of repentance, but at least he is back home with a jaw-injury that grounded him for a time. He hides in a blame-game bravado to conceal his shame, and still behaves elusive; but that the mother has had the opportunity of seeing her son for a time is a source of hope that God is at work, and He answers prayers. More prayers are needed for this returning son!
A dear friend lost her Dad after a short illness. I had opportunity to pray for him on his death bed; as I read the Psalm, his wife clearly recited it from memory. The valley of the shadow of death was right there, and the anointing on the head was relevant. When he was gone, I had opportunity to visit the bereaved family and to attend the funeral. It was not time to say much, but to simply be present and provide a shoulder to cry on, and be counted among those that stood with them in this difficult time. But more so, our presence was in part announcing the presence of the Lord who is ever present, even in times of trouble – I read Psalm 46 for them at some point.
The journey of life goes through the different turns; find strength to sing to the Lord and receive assurance of His presence, care, provision and protection.
“The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want; he makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for You are with me; your rod and staff staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil, my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”