Psalm 23:2-3
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
Blessings are wonderful, but they are often invisible. When troubles hits our lives, those troubles loom large and frightening. Why is this so, when blessings also abound? Troubles are magnified by the evil one and our own weak faith.
Because of this, we are naturally attracted to worry and fear. When that happens, blessings can be overshadowed. It is possible to forget blessings altogether. When the green pastures become small in our minds, we can be sure that our faith is suffering.
God’s Word brings a healthy correction to our perception of life. From the midst of our daily lives in a sinful world, God’s Word strengthens our faith to bring balance to our understanding of reality. Through faith in Jesus, we are enabled to see the blessings of God and appreciate the green pastures and quiet waters that are in the Lord Himself.
This is more than just a beautiful of scene of pastoral meditation. Psalm 23 teaches us about Jesus. In Him we have a Good Shepherd who cares for us. The restoration of our souls was created on His cross of sacrifice for our sins. The living water of the Psalm anticipates Holy Baptism where God claimed us as His children and brings us to life through faith.
The universal appreciation of the 23rd Psalm is no doubt due to the fact of our great need for rest in the Lord’s presence. But, more than just a pastoral vision, the 23rd Psalm points us to Jesus and our life in Him. May the blessings of Jesus refresh your faith today and always.
Let us pray
I thank you Lord Jesus for offering me all perfect blessings as a gift through faith. Help me to clearly see your blessings today. May the distractions of the evil one and my own wavering faith never cause me to miss the joys that you have given to your people. Help all pastors and congregations as they prepare for services this Sunday. May your church be as a green pasture and a place of quiet water to refresh your people. In your name I pray, AMEN.