“The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters.”
Psalm 23:1-2
When you read Psalm 22, you feel the misery of the psalmist, you hear the jeering of the crowd, you feel the weight of forsakenness. And then you remember that this was the psalm that Jesus carried to the cross in order that we might taste the pleasures of Psalm 23. We all know the Shepherd’s Psalm—it’s recited at almost every funeral. But simply note this with me: The verbs here are present tense.
The text does not say “he will,” but He is my shepherd, He makes me lie down, He leads me beside still waters. Here and now. In the present wilderness. Even as we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, He is with us and His rod and staff comfort us.
Though we are driven into exile, we are not defined by exile. We get to taste the pleasures of heaven in ways great and small because of the accomplished work and present rule of King Jesus. No one else gets that privilege. Circumstances dictate the lives of those who trust in themselves. But this is not so for you as you put your trust in your good shepherd, Jesus.
The text does not say “he will,” but He is my shepherd, He makes me lie down, He leads me beside still waters. Here and now. In the present wilderness. Even as we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, He is with us and His rod and staff comfort us.
Though we are driven into exile, we are not defined by exile. We get to taste the pleasures of heaven in ways great and small because of the accomplished work and present rule of King Jesus. No one else gets that privilege. Circumstances dictate the lives of those who trust in themselves. But this is not so for you as you put your trust in your good shepherd, Jesus.
Scripture Focus
Psalm 22:1-19
Insight
We belong to Jesus, which means that we can enjoy and glorify Him in all circumstances.
Bible In A Year
- 2 Samuel 9-10
- Psalm 140
- Colossians 1-2
