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What on Earth Am I Here For?
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Friday, September 19, 2003
My Prayer Today
Note: For the next two days, we will be studying Psalm 23. This is David's song that thanks God for providing and protecting him. We will pray through the psalm each day.
Because You, God, are my Shepherd,
I commit my needs to You.
Provide green pasture for me to lie in,
Lead me beside still waters.
Restore my soul when I'm empty,
Lead me in right paths for Your name's sake.
Be with me in danger when I walk
Through the valley of the shadow of death.
Deliver me from evil,
And protect me with Your rod and staff.
Prepare a table to feed me.
So my enemies can see Your provision.
Anoint me with the oil of Your healing,
Let me drink from the full cup of Your provision.
Surely goodness and mercy will always follow me,
And I want to live with You forever. Amen.
Bible Verses
Psalm 23
New Living Translation
1 A psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I have everything I need. 2 He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. 3 He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. 4 Even when I walk through the dark valley of death, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. 5 You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You welcome me as a guest, anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. 6 Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever.
King's James Version
1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
Reflecting on David's Life
David is mentioned in the Bible more than any other person. His name occurs three times more often than Abraham and Moses – even Jesus. Over 1,100 times his name is written in the Bible, including 58 times in the New Testament. Four books (and 61 chapters) of the Old Testament tell his life story. He wrote at least 73 Psalms. In the 30 centuries since his death, he has been painted, sculpted, idealized and immortalized. To this day parents name their children after him.
His resume was very full: Jesse's youngest son. Teenaged shepherd. Saul's court musician. The giant-slayer. A fugitive on the run. Jonathan's closest friend. A hero to thousands. A man of blood. Israel's greatest king. A poet of exceptional skill. A gifted architect. Powerful. Charismatic. Loved by multitudes. Adulterer. Murderer. Father to a son who turned against him.
He rose from obscurity to lead his nation. Through his own foolish choices, he destroyed his family and ended his reign amid trouble and intrigue. A glorious triumph and a very human tragedy. Called and gifted, human to the core. A paradox. Strong in battle, weak at home. He danced before the Lord; he had trouble with his kids. He wept, laughed, cried, and poured out his heart in worship before the Lord. He is not like Michelangelo's polished marble statue in Florence, Italy. He is one of us, entirely human, made of flesh and blood.
What did God think of this man? God said of him – and of no one else – here is a man after my own heart.
What parts of David's life can we relate to?
How did David maintain a personal relationship with God (see Psalm 23:1).
Exploring The Scriptures
We read "He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams."
What places, people or situations are "green meadows" or "peaceful streams" to you?
Understanding How I Can Learn and Grow from David's Life
David understood that our two greatest needs are for food (green meadows) and water (peaceful streams). A shepherd will provide both for his sheep. When the sheep are tired, the shepherd provides a place of renewal. When the sheep need to sleep, the shepherd provides a safe place for restoration. The sheep want to be with the shepherd.
David also understood that, although the shepherd can lead the sheep to the green meadows and peaceful streams, he can not make the sheep eat or drink. The sheep choose when to eat, how much to eat and what to eat.
How are you doing with feeding on God's Word? Do you graze and scan your Bible once in a while or do you chew on clumps for a day or two and then stay away for long periods of time or do you maintain a healthy feeding schedule? Do you let the Word of God lead you each day?
Applying David's Teachings to My Daily Life
When David composed this psalm, he wasn't just writing down a poetic description of God. He was describing his own relationship with God.
How would you describe your relationship with God?
How I Can Learn and Grow from David's Life
In the late 1800's public entertainment consisted of traveling groups of actors who went from town to town. One such actor packed the largest hall in a small Midwestern town. The audience was wildly enthusiastic as the orator recited passages from great plays, poems, and literature. At the end of the performance the actor agreed to take a few requests. Immediately, a hand shot up. The hand belonged to an older man with a weather-beaten face and clothes that were clean, but definitely patched and had seen better days. "Would you, could you, do the 23rd Psalm, please?" The actor thought for a minute, then said, "I'll do it on one condition. After I have finished, you will come up and recite it also." Puzzled, the old man agreed. The orator began, "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want...." As he went, he infused the words with all the tricks of his art. When all the beloved words of the great Psalm were delivered, the audience gave the actor yet another enthusiastic ovation. Then the man who had requested the Psalm came up. His face was not handsome, and his voice was thick and uncultured. Yet as he began to speak, his face took on such a glow of joy, and the love almost leaped from his mouth with the words. When he concluded, "Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever," the only sound in all the hall was the rustle of handkerchiefs as they brushed away tears. The silence went on until the actor stepped forward and said, "Now you know why I wanted him to follow me. It is as I thought. You see, I knew the Psalm, but he, he knows the shepherd."
Do you know the shepherd?
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