My King and Shepherd

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.  He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.  He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. (Psalm 23:1-3)

What a passage.  This is one of the world's most beloved Psalms, isn't it?  Beloved because of the comfort it provides through those dark times - most commonly through those fears of death.  But what about the strength it can give us in life?  To me, and to those who are born again into everlasting life through Christ, death, or fear of death, should not be our biggest challenge.  Life is our challenge.

I need God to make me lie down in the "green pastures" so I can rest from the sometimes frantic pace of my days and my mind.  I need God to lead me beside the still waters so I can see how He can still my heart like He calms the seas. I need God to restore my soul and my ways when I take my own detours from His plans.  With all of this that God can provide, I shall not want in this life.  Now, all I need is to let Him make, lead and restore me.

Okay, now for the "bonus" material...  :)

Not only did I read through Psalm 23 this morning, but I read through Psalms 24 and 25 as well.  As I read, I was inspired by the repeated question in Psalm 25, verse 8 and 10, "Who is this King of glory?"  Have you ever deeply thought about how complete God is?  I am amazed at how tender but yet how tough He is all at the same time.  And from my readings today, as I pondered them and prayed, I wrote this poem that I'll share with you:

My King and Shepherd of Glory

King of glory, strong and mighty
Prepare my way today.
Open doors, move my feet
And keep the enemy away.

Shepherd of souls, tender yet strong
Lead me to Your peace.
Calm my mind, still my heart,
Fill me with Your grace.

Leader of lives, Master Teacher
Make my eyes to see.
Give me a word, give me a thought
To direct my way for Thee.

You are my King of glory.
You are the Shepherd of my soul.
Thank You for caring.
Thank You for loving.
Thank You for making me whole.