May 12

A Psalm Of Life

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life. — Ps 23:1-6 BSB

Psalm 23 is often called “the Nightingale” of the Psalms, the first one we learn in childhood and the last we whisper on our dying lips. It speaks of deep consecration, for the Lord can only truly be our Shepherd when we are fully surrendered to Him. You cannot claim God as your Shepherd unless you are willing to hear His voice and follow where He leads. “My sheep hear My voice, and they follow Me, and a stranger they will not follow.”

Morning: The Shepherd leads. In the morning, when the Shepherd leads His sheep out of the fold into the dewy pastures, He goes ahead of them. The flock does not go before Him. Whatever hardships you face, remember that your Shepherd has gone before you. “He leads me.” His name and His honor are at stake in leading you safely, “for His name’s sake.”

Noon: The rest. In every life, there are moments when God gives us rest—whether after an illness, in a holiday break, or simply in a pause between heavy responsibilities. These are our green pastures and still waters. Sometimes, even in the busiest of seasons, God gives us inner peace. Just as the heart rests between its beats, so we find rest in Him. “He makes me lie down.”

Night: The oil and the cup. As evening falls, the flock reaches the fold. The Shepherd watches each sheep as it passes through the gate. For those that are bruised or scratched, He applies healing oil. He also has food and water prepared to refresh and cleanse them, ensuring that their needs are more than met. “My cup overflows!”

Goodness and mercy follow the flock, just as the Shepherd leads them. The “House of the Lord” is the final fold from which we will never leave, and the Lamb will be our Shepherd and joy forever.

Prayer

O Lord, support us through the trials of this life. When the shadows lengthen, the evening comes, and our work is done, grant us safe lodging, a holy rest, and peace at last, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.