I walk every day. The breeze, movement, and sunshine help my mind slow down. As I walk, I listen to what God is telling me through the world around me.
Over the years, I’ve walked in the woods around Okmulgee, Oklahoma, to the busy downtown streets of Manilla, Philippines. Today, I want to go on a walk with you through Psalm 23.
Walk with me!
David began writing the book of Psalm in a dead forest. As he wrote, the forest came to life! David established the principal foundation of relationships right out the gate.
“The Lord is my Shepard” — Jehovah Raah, God of everything. That means I’m yours; you have me. The God of everything is in control.
“I shall not want” — Jehovah Jireh, my provider. You’ve got me. As we walk through this passage, we see all the places Jehovah Jireh showed up for David. Now, David is establishing God’s priorities. He keeps reminding himself of what God has said and the flow of God’s workmanship.
How many times has the Lord shown up for you?
“He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me by still waters” — Jehovah Shalom, my peace. Can you see the grass and feel the peaceful breeze down by the stream?
“He restores my soul” — Jehovah Rapha, my healer. This one is dear to me because God is my healer. I thought I was going to die but Jehovah Rapha restored my body and soul.
Are you still walking with me? Has God healed you physically or spiritually?
“He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake ” — Jehovah Tsidkenu, my righteousness.
“Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for You are with me” — Jehovah Shama, my Lord, is present.
“Thy rod and staff, they comfort me ” — Jehovah Ezer, my help.
“You prepare a table for me in the presence of my enemies” — Jehovah Nissi, my standard of victory.
“You anoint my head with oil” — Jehovah M’Kaddesh, my holiness, my sanction.
“My cups runs over ” — Jehovah Manah, my portion.
“Surely, goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever ” — Jehovah Cheleq, my inheritance! David is showing the potential of a future.
After walking through this passage, I hope you remember God is with you. He is in the monotony of every day and He is in the big troubles of life.
You are never alone.
When you feel low, forgotten, or defeated, stand on the principles of Psalm 23. Write this passage on your heart and feel the security of God’s love in your bones. Let His love overflow into your thoughts, words, and deeds.
Allow God’s love to permeate your entire being and stop operating in the natural. Instead, live in the security of His promises.
My challenge to you is to find time each day to hear what God is telling you. For me, that comes when I walk.
How do you hear from God?
Thanks for going on this walk with me. Don’t forget; God comes through every situation!
