GO Ahead and Make Me

Psalm 23

Psalm 23 is arguably one of the most best known Psalms. Often quoted in funeral services as a comfort for loved ones of the deceased. What more could possibly be mined about this beloved Psalm?

- In verse one King David, GOD's annointed, the undershepard of Isreal recognizes that GOD himself is the "Great Shepard". Jesus refered to himself in John 10:14 ESV — I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me. This is Jesus declaring he is GOD.

- verse two "he makes me..."

Sheep are drawn to green pastures of thier own accord, fresh grass. They won't however lay down and rest on thier own unless specific conditions are met. How often do you rest? I mean really experience rest? 

Sleep

Google - The evidence suggests that a significant portion of the global population experiences sleep deprivation, though the exact percentage varies by study and definition.

Rest

An estimated 4.05% of the global population has an anxiety disorder, translating to 301 million people. The number of persons affected has increased by more than 55% from 1990 to 2019. Anxiety disorder metrics show a continuous increase in prevalence, incidence, and DALY rates. Portugal has the highest prevalence (8,671 cases per 100,000), followed by Brazil, Iran, and New Zealand. The prevalence is higher in high-income regions. Women are 1.66 times more likely to be affected by anxiety disorders than men. Age-standardized rates have remained stable, indicating the possible stability of risk factors.

The numbers show we aren't getting the rest or sleep we so desperately require for both our mental and physical health.

- his reasoning for "making us", in verse three, he's restoring your soul. He is also leading you in paths of righteousness, not because you deserve it, but for his "shem" (name) its because of who he is, not who you are. GOD would do it regardless if you think your worthy or not. The question is not will he lead you, it's will you follow him?

- verse four reminds us it's not a matter of "if" you walk through the valley, its just a question of when. We can rest in GOD's promise to be with us in this walk. Why does David find comfort in GOD's rod and staff?

The rod symbolized the shepherd's strength, authority, and power to protect, while the staff represented guidance, care, and lovingkindness. GOD has the tools to get the job done. Omnipresent, Omnipotent, Omniscient or as Paul so eloquently put it in

Romans 8:38-39 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Verse 5

- A table was prepared for Jesus in the presence of his enemies, Judas was there, so was the Devil. John 13:27 ESV — Then after he had taken the morsel, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, “What you are going to do, do quickly.” Jesus like David was GOD's annointed and he had the Spirit without measure. See John 3:34 ESV — For he whom God has sent utters the words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure.

His cup runs over so ours can be filled.

Verse 6

- goodness and mercy follow us because GOD is both goodness and mercy. Both those things find thier very definition in GOD himself and where did Jesus go to prepare a place for us? (See John 14:3) In his father's house and where he is we will be too, with him forever.

My prayer is that you will let GOD "make you", and find the rest he's prepared for you and the renewal of your soul.