My meditation for Monday morning is just a bit late this week… but still, I hope this familiar Psalm will speak to your heart today.
Psalms 23:1-6
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
I have heard this Psalm referred to as the Psalm of the four “C’s.”
- Confidence in the Lord.
- Contentment in the heart.
- Courage in the face of danger.
- Completeness here and hereafter.
These four qualities are among life’s greatest treasures, and they are meant for us! However, to truly embrace them, we must follow the order set by the Psalmist.
Confidence in God comes first. Without confidence, contentment cannot truly flourish in your heart. This holds true in your home, among friends, and in your relationship with God. Additionally, courage cannot thrive when confidence and contentment are absent. Who can expect to find completeness in this life or the next without a solid foundation in God?
I encourage you to embrace the four “C’s” of this Shepherd's Psalm. Make them part of your life, and fear not, for Jesus is the “Good Shepherd.”
