Friends, today we lay to rest one of my dear cousins. Psalm 23 is one my favorites, I know Barb loved it too.
Our scripture this morning is Psalms 23:5-6 (NLT).
You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. 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.
Probably the most well known psalm, Psalm 23 is a short but complete statement of faith in God’s goodness, protection and provision. We know He is always there for us, and His care is immeasurable. No matter what we face, we are not alone.
It opens with the phrase “The Lord is my shepherd” reminding us that when we ramble off on our own, things can get serious. God will never leave us, but we can stray into dangerous territory by ourselves. God continually reaches out to us no matter what our situation, offering His love and a relationship that leads to salvation.
We hear of “a feast for me in the presence of my enemies”, a reference to God blessing us even when we are threatened by the ways of the world. Nothing on earth can stand against the Lord and when we stand with Him, we are safe for eternity. As long as we follow the path Jesus the Good Shepherd has set for us, we can be saved.
Loving Lord, in Your mercy You sent Your Son to love and save and free us. Bless us to go in Your name, refreshed and ready to share the Good News with the world. Amen.
