All That I Need

          The pandemic has been hard on many of us ... isolation and loneliness, fear of catching the virus, adjustments in the ways we've always lived, wearing masks, social distancing, new ways of worship, changes in family celebrations, cancelation of sports, changes in education, etc.,  Who ever thought we would experience such times?

          But what has amazed me is the way that the Lord has used scripture to encourage me during these days.  Often the scriptures have been those that I've known and even memorized.  But the Lord has made them fresh and with applications that I've needed now.

          One of these is Psalm 23 which may be the best known scripture.  Recently I received an interesting explanation of Psalm 23 and I've decided to share it with you.  It is a great reminder of all that we have, even during a pandemic, thanks to our great Shepherd.  I hope that it is an encouragement to you.

THE 23RD PSALM  ...  (EXPLAINED)

The Lord is my Shepherd  ...  (that's relationship)

I shall not want  ...  (that's supply) 

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures  ...  (that's rest) 

He leadeth me beside the still waters  ... ( that's refreshment) 

He restoreth my soul  ...  (that's healing) 

He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness  ...  (that's guidance) 

For His name sake  ...  (that's purpose) 

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death  ...  (that's testing) 

I will fear no evil  ...  (that's protection) 

For Thou art with me  ...  (that's faithfulness) 

Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me  ...  (that's discipline) 

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies  ...  (that's hope) 

Thou anointest my head with oil  ...  (that's consecration) 

My cup runneth over  ...  (that's abundance) 

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life  ...  (that's blessing) 

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord  ...  (that's security) 

Forever  ...  (that's eternity) 

1   The Lord's my Shepherd, I'll not want;

he makes me down to lie

in pastures green; he leadeth me

the quiet waters by.

2   My soul he doth restore again,

and me to walk doth make

within the paths of righteousness,

e'en for his own name's sake.

3   Yea, though I walk through death's dark vale,

yet will I fear none ill,

for thou art with me; and thy rod

and staff me comfort still.

4   My table thou hast furnished

in presence of my foes;

my head thou dost with oil anoint,

and my cup overflows.

5   Goodness and mercy all my life

shall surely follow me;

and in God's house forevermore

my dwelling place shall be.