BST's Blog

I wrote some reflections on Psalm 23 this morning. I hope this can encourage you today.


The Lord is my shepherd...whether it's clear some days or not, I have everything I need.

He gently but authoritatively reminds me that rest is important. "Take time for the green pastures." Disciplining myself to be still and rest is important to Him. He helps me do that. "Lay out flat in the lush green field and sense the beauty, the serenity, the wonder of my creation!"

"Get up and take a stroll beside the stream. Listen to the babble of the brook and remember that I taught the water how to flow."

"As I have made all you see in creation, so I have also made you. I knit you together in your mother's womb. Your soul is known and protected by me. Allow me to restore it."

"You are mine. You bear my name. Follow me. I'll lead you down the right path. It's a path that's filled with things that are best for you and it will bear fruit in you. People will see this fruit and know that you wear my name."

"This path is also crooked and narrow in places. You'll experience the darkness of this world and the sting of death will be near. People will disappoint you. You'll be tempted to give in to the darkness that seems to invade...but wait! Remember, I'm right here. Remember, I am in control. Feel my hand? I'm guiding you...leading you. Don't be afraid. Take comfort in my presence."

"When you feel most alone, when the world seems to be against you, remember that I am here. I'm stopping in the middle of all the chaos to throw a banquet in your honor...not because you have done anything to deserve it, just because you're mine. Let all those who are against you watch how I tenderly care for my own. I will anoint your head with oil. I will fill your heart up with good things--until it overflows. I want you to know and remember whose you are."

"Having seen the way I care for you do you think for a moment that I would give up on you? You are MINE! I am the one who saw you before you were born. I am the one who welcomed you with open arms as you gave your life back over to me. I am all goodness, all mercy, all love. I even created love. Trust me. I'll be with you as you walk the paths of life. Not even death can separate us. You'll live with me forever. Come, live in my house. Come, feast at my table. Come, let me fill you up. Come to me, my child.


Psalm23
1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,

3 he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.

4 Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.

6 Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.