I had trouble this morning so you may be getting two posts — please don’t work this one, but with the one that says: Beginning Psalm 23!
If you have just joined us, you will need to get this book, available in many ways: a library app, Amazon, Christianbook.com, kindle for under $4, or the audio is free if you belong to Amazon prime. We will be in it for the next three weeks. It’s a classic. You won’t regret it!
THIS LAMB WANDERED TOO CLOSE TO THE RAGING RIVER
AND SLIPPED IN, HELPLESS TO SAVE HIMSELF
TWO YOUNG NORWEGIAN MEN RISKED THEIR LIVES
AND BROUGHT HIM TO SAFETY
WE TOO WERE IN PERIL, HELPLESS TO SAVE OURSELVES
OUR SHEPHERD NOT ONLY RISKED HIS LIFE,
BUT LAID DOWN HIS LIFE,
TO BRING US TO SAFETY.
This week we will cover the first four chapters of A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23. Here is the song from the Metrical Hymnal along with the tune which is “The Lord is my Shepherd”
1The Lord’s my shepherd, I’ll not want; He makes me down to lie
2in pastures green; He leadeth me the quiet waters by.
3My soul He doth restore again; and me to walk doth make
within the paths of righteousness, ev’n for His own name’s sake.
4Yea, though I walk in death’s dark vale, yet will I fear no ill;
For Thou art with me; and Thy rod and staff me comfort still.
5My table Thou has furnish-ed in presence of my foes;
My head Thou dost with oil anoint, and my cup overflows.
6Goodness and mercy all my life shall surely follow me;
And in God’s house forevermore my dwelling place shall be.
Crimond
Sunday: Getting Started
1. What associations do you have with Psalm 23?
2. How have you experienced the presence of God this week?
Monday: Text and Getting Started
1. Read all of Psalm 23 and share:
A. A passage that stands out and why:
B. A passage you don’t fully understand but want to:
2. Read Ezekiel 34:11-22
A. Find parallels with Psalm 23.
B. David died 600 years before Ezekiel wrote this. What does this tell you? (This was huge for me!)
3. Read the introduction to A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23. Why did Philip Keller want to write this book?
Tuesday: The Lord is My Shepherd
4. Read the first chapter.
A. What stood out and why?
B. What are some of the reasons David was God’s choice to write this psalm?
C. Challenge: If you remember how my friend Warren Pfhol prayed Psalm 8, imagining God speaking to him, I’d like you to do “The Lord is my Shepherd” with the help of these thoughts from Philip Keller:
It links a lump of common clay to divine destiny– it means a mere mortal becomes the object of divine diligence.
The more majestic is my concept of Christ, the greater will be my relationship with him.
D. How did purchasing his sheep impact the author?
E. What negative parallels did the author see between his sheep and people?
F. What did the author learn about marking his sheep that relates to us?
5. Use what you’ve learned as a springboard for prayer. (Praise, confession, petition)
Wednesday: I Shall Not Be In Want
6. Read the second chapter.
A. What stands out and why?
B. What two truths does the author emphasize right at the start? After each, share a way you have experienced this.
C. The author discusses how Elijah, David, and John the Baptist suffered greatly. How do you explain this verse in light of that?
D. Share a time when you were deprived of something you wanted, but still, were content. Why were you?
E. What contrast did the author make between his sheep and his neighbor’s sheep? What was his point?
F. How does that relate to those who don’t have the Lord as their Shepherd? What are some ways the author describes them? Do you agree? Were you ever like that and can you still wander off and experience that?
G. Describe someone you know who lives very humbly but has great joy of soul.
H. He had a sheep he called Mrs. Gad-A-Bout and compared her to some Christians. His point?
I. What damage did Mrs. Gad-A-Bout do to her lambs?
J. How might you apply today’s lesson? Pray it?
Thursday: He Makes Me Lie Down In Green Pastures
7. Read the 3rd chapter.
A. What stands out and why?
B. Sheep are too restless to lie down unless freed from four fears. What are they?
C. What illustration did he give to show their great timidity? What action did he take to calm his sheep?
D. He says we often fear the unknown. Do you agree? If so, what unknown do you fear and how can you speak to your soul?
E. What did the author say could overcome tense jealousy within the flock? What application can there be to your life?
F. What did he say was the antidote to “being bugged?” Can you give an illustration from your life?
G. He said a land flowing with milk and honey is not just a metaphor, but actual. What did he mean?
H. “Because of our own perverseness we often prefer to feed on the barren land of the world around us.” How is this true for you? Turn this into a prayer of confession and supplication.
Friday: He Leads Me Beside Quiet Waters
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4. Meditate on the first phrase of the psalm: The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want.
A. What do you see in each of the underlined words (my underlining)?
Lord-Mighty One, Savior, King, Ruler
My- I love what Spurgeon says here “The sweetest word of the whole is that monosyllable, “My.” He does not say, “The Lord is the shepherd of the world at large, and leadeth forth the multitude as his flock,” but “The Lord is my shepherd;” if he be a Shepherd to no one else, he is a Shepherd to me; he cares for me, watches over me, and preserves me. The words are in the present tense. Whatever be the believer’s position, he is even now under the pastoral care of Jehovah.”
Shepherd-Humble, personal, intimate Care-taker, Owner, Provider. Phillip Keller has so much great insight on all of this. He says “”nothing so quieted & reassured the sheep as to see me in the field. The presence of their master & owner & protector put them at ease as nothing else could do…There is nothing like Christ’s presence to dispel the fear, the panic, the terror of the unknown.”
As Shepherd, He has purchased me for a price. He has committed Himself to tend to my needs, to watch over me and protect me. He has a name for me. He knows if I have run far from Him and He calls me back to Him.
Elizabeth-sweet to see Spurgeon’s insight-it reminds me how God says if one sheep stray I will rescue him and bring him back into the fold-back into His arms. I think of Jesus’ intimate involvement with the Disciples-how He knew them each so..Reminds me of Song of Songs-how she strayed and He wooed her and called her back to him..and in Song of Songs 6 when He says “turn your eyes from me; they overwhelm me.” His beauty all over us! :)))
Loved Keller’s insight too-eager to listen to the book today. 🙂
Elizabeth, I like Spurgeon’s commentary on this…the “personal-ness” of “my” and the present tense of the verb!
4. C. Do you truly believe He sees you like this, cares for you like this? Take this verse and pray it — either thanking Him for the assurance you feel or asking Him to make this assurance drop to your heart.
Oh LORD, Thank you for being my Shepherd. Thank you for your absolutely unwavering love, for laying down your life for me. Thank you for calming my heart again and again and again, for seeking me and wooing me with your love when I stray from you. I know you are who and what I long for — but I forget. Forgive me for being distracted by idols, for forgetting about you and relying on my own (lack of) strength. Thank you for satisfying my longings, for restoring me. Help me to desire you above everything, always. For your name’s sake.
5. Meditate on verse 2.
A. What does this say? B. What does this mean?
I found this commentary in my Life Application Study Bible (NIV):
When we allow God our shepherd to guide us, we have contentment. When we choose to sin, however, we go our own way and cannot blame God for the environment we create for ourselves. Our shepherd knows the “green pastures” and “quiet waters” that will restore us. We will reach these places only by following hm obediently. Rebelling against the shepherd’s leading is actually rebelling against our own best interests. We must remember this the next time we are tempted to go our own way rather than the shepherd’s way.
C. How has the Lord provided for your needs?
In so many, many ways! First of all, I have been fortunate that I have never hurt for the basics of life — food, shelter, clothing, etc. God has interceded when I have seen myself coming upon a most unpleasant collision of circumstances, and he has smoothed out the path before me, so that I could get through what seemed like “the impossible!” When I have had needs that I could not accomplish on my own — God has sent persons to be there at just the right time with just the right skills. Now this is not to say I have received all my desires throughout my life, for that would not be true. However, there have been many times when God sent blessings I hadn’t even thought to ask for! Also there have been times when I unknowingly was headed for trouble or danger, and God has changed my direction. I have not been able to see this at the time, but in retrospect, it has been clear.
6. Meditate on verse 3.
A. Derek Kidner says that the same verb for “restore” appears in Psalm 60:1. Compare — what insight does this give you for what this verse means?
You may remember Mike Reeves’ emphasis on moving into the Messianic section after Psalm 19, to the emphasis on the One promised in Genesis 3 to rescue us, not just from trouble, but from sin. Psalm 23 is much more than just a comforting psalm about Jesus as our Shepherd, but indeed, Jesus as the One who can restore our souls.
Looking at Psalm 60:1 leads me to think of “restoration” being synonymous with “reconciliation.” God was angry with us, and the psalmist asks “now restore us.” The lecture by Reeves was indicating that Psalm 22 was a “crucifixion” psalm and Psalm 23 was “a resurrection” psalm. This all fits together.
I wonder if others are experiencing what I am on the blog. There are three posts, one each by Natalie, Elizabeth, and Wanda, which keep sliding along to the end each time. So when I post, it makes me think my submission is not there — until I scroll up past their posts. I can’t imagine what would cause that. Just thought I would mention it before someone else gets confused. Normally when we post ours is the last one, so we can find it easily at the end.
I noticed that too…
Deanna–I noticed it too. Sometimes I think the enemy just likes to annoy us on the blog with quirks, but at least this is a small thing! 😉
Ditto with what Elizabeth said. 🙂
Deanna, I noticed that one other week, too — partly because my post stayed at the end then. I see the posts at the bottom most quickly and don’t always like my posts to be that obvious 🙂 This time, I thought I might accidentally be posting a response and opened a new page. Technology quirks!! I’m amazed we have so few tech obstacles 🙂
I just can’t get away from those photos…keep coming back to look at them. And it’s still those clasped hands of the two men. Representing to me the united plan and work of Father and Son to rescue us…”I and the Father are ONE.” And the look of pain from the effort on both of the men’s faces. Jesus endured the physical pain/suffering, and the Father must have felt the pain in His heart, too. And then that lamb, just lying there limp with its eyes closed as it’s being rescued. “And you were dead in your trespasses…” Dead people can’t even move to save themselves or assist in any way in their rescue.
Susan–I feel the same way, so much depicted in the photos. I love what you shared, that is sticking with me. I remember once we had a photo of Jesus’ arm reaching down and pulling us out of the sea–but I love what you added–that the Father holds the Son, who reaches down to us. I keep going back to the stark contrast of the intensity of muscles and strain pictured in the act of the rescue–it is obviously requiring every bit of their strength and power-together-to rescue this lamb, and then the contrast in the next picture (and more I found online)–such peace in the lamb, and the real meaning of joy in the face of the Rescuer. His smile says “it was worth it all”.
such a good analogy of being dead in our sin and helpless to save ourselves…..
5. Meditate on verse 2.
A. What does this say? “He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.”
B. What does this mean? Pastures are where animals go to graze. Today/here, they often are enclosed with fences. Maybe the shepherds would have kept the sheep enclosed in the way fences do now. The combination of the words green pasture and lie down could indicate both rest and food. “Still waters” would be safe –in comparison to raging rivers, yet would provide water for drinking. The sheep isn’t running through the pasture; it is lying down. Similarly, God allows me to rest in Him, graze in His Word. David also wrote “O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water” (Ps 63:1) Jesus said, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink” (John 7: 37)To have a still stream of living water and a green pasture in a desert area, a dry and weary land, is amazing. The one phrase that confuses me is “he makes me.” What does that mean? He “makes me” by wooing me to himself (and I can’t refuse)? He makes me by allowing me to get to the end of myself so that I collapse in the green pastures? (True, but then I wish he would “make me” lie down more quickly!) He “makes me” by providing boundaries as a shepherd herds his sheep? He “makes me” by coming after me when I stray, carries me back, and plops me in green pastures ???
C. How has the Lord provided for your needs?
He has provided me with Himself; Jesus died for me and was raised so that my need to be right before God has been met. God provided His Spirit to be with me, to guide, strengthen, comfort me.
I also want to write that He has provided for my physical/earthly needs (rest, food, water, relationships with people). He has provided more than I need. But I don’t know if physical needs are “real” needs??? (How about believers in countries with drought/starvation?) Compared to some places, most people in the U.S. are wealthy. e.g., I don’t NEED a house or apartment — I could live in a commune 😉 . I don’t NEED to eat meat. And I certainly don’t NEED a computer to survive. God has provided infrastructure to provide water and food. I do know that He has blessed me far beyond my needs. I’ve had great medical and mental health care; He has healed me both through professional care, and through other means. Maybe I don’t “need” to have a clear definition of “needs” — I do think He is ALL I need, and He will provide the rest as He sees fit.
6. Meditate on verse 3.
A. Derek Kidner says that the same verb for “restore” appears in Psalm 60:1. Compare — what insight does this give you for what this verse means?
Ps 60:1 had a cross-reference to Ps 80:3 (which had a footnote)
Ps 60:1 shows that David felt rejected, defenseless and that God was angry with him — and asked to be restored.
I think of restoring old (well-made, well designed) furniture. Sometimes people just slap on a coat of paint, and though that can be “cute,” it is very different than restoring furniture to an original — or better — condition. God restores us to what He designed us to be. I like the last part of Ps 80:3; His face shining on us is what makes the restoration take place — His power, His light, His life and love.
I like your analogy of old furniture being restored to what it was meant to be. Good illustration…
Renee–like your thoughts too on restoring old furniture. Makes me think too of furniture with a veneer–a facade of looking like the real thing without the change within. But to restore takes time and cleansing, stripping away the old, nourishing with a good oily stain that seeps in deep to the wood…restored by “His power, His light, His life and love”
Renee and Elizabeth-loved how you both compliment one another with the restored furniture analogy..Great picture of restoration-Renee’s “restored by “His power, His light, His life and love”..and Elizabeth’s response “Makes me think too of furniture with a veneer–a facade of looking like the real thing without the change within. to restore takes time and cleansing, stripping away the old, nourishing with a good oily stain that seeps in deep to the wood…restored by “His power, His light, His life and love”
Elizabeth & Rebecca, Veneer is a powerful image! At the moment, I think even the veneer would be good to have. Good reminder not to “settle.”
Listening to Philip Keller’s book….RICH! so good- so-need to meditate on this..
4. B. Derek Kidner says the rest of the psalm all flows from this verse. Why, do you think?
I see that this first verse identifies the relationship between the Lord and His children. We are helpless, needy, incredibly dependent…we need to be reminded of the same truths over and over—we are like sheep. And He, the Faithful One—willing to dies in order that we might live. This first verse is incredibly powerful—it depicts the most personal, intimate relationship of our complete dependence upon the Lord for our very life.
C.
Lord, You have shown me Your faithfulness. Your undying love for me silences me. You have given me everything I need. Thank You. Lord, forgive me for when I wander. Thank You for always calling me home. Thank You that You stop and search for me and find me. Thank You for that patience. Thank You for hearing my cries when I am too weak and weary to follow, and You scoop me up. I wish I could stay in that place and sometimes You set me down, You call me to be strong and trust that You are walking with me through the waters, through the fires—You have redeemed me and called me by name. Thank You, my Shepherd.
5)A. What does this say?
He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside still waters.
B. What does this mean?
The Lord, my Shepherd, knows my needs and makes sure those needs are met. He doesn’t promise whatever I want, but what I need. The Lord is my Provider. He knows exactly what I need, when I so often don’t. And while I often resist the very thing I need most, He takes the initiative, He makes me, He leads me—without Him I cannot care for myself. It’s funny, I just flashed to those days with young babies. I was one of those with scheduled naps (I know, but give me grace, Dee!), and so often my kids would resist at first and then just crash because they needed it SO bad. Some of those times it would have seemed a whole lot easier to give up and forget the nap, but I trusted it really was what they needed. Even in my imperfection, I tried to do what was best for them even if it felt like I forced it. But there was no way my kids would sleep without first being fed, and sang to, and their favorite CD.
This reminded me of something interesting from Phillip Keller. He says it is near impossible to make a sheep lie down unless the following 4 needs are met:
(1) FREE FROM FEAR
(2) FREE FROM FRICTION WITHIN THE FLOCK.
(3) FREE FROM FLIES/FRUSTRATION
(4) FREE FROM HUNGER
C. How has the Lord provided for your needs?
I just thought of some specific times in my life when things did not turn out at all the way I would have written—or the way I had already written it should be. Three times in particular come to mind right now, big trials. And in each, I remember the distinct feeling of first –“no! It isn’t supposed to be this way!” and then this still small voice of –‘if it should have been different, He would have done it’. When my Dad died, I wasn’t ready. I had a script we were supposed to have before that day came. But he died before I got to the hospital and I remember that night the Lord told me I would be OK. If I had needed that conversation to happen in order for my life to be what God designed it to be—then He would have allowed it. He didn’t allow it, so it must mean that I will be OK without it. And the beauty is, over these last many years, the Lord has spoken to me far better than my scripted words I longed to hear from my Dad.Rambling. Sorry. But that is just one example—yes, He has more than abundantly given me so much more than I could ever need. It is not always what I ask for, and I am thankful. I do not trust my requests, I trust Him.
Elizabeth, I so understand your feelings when you described your dad dying before you got to the hospital. I also, was not able to be with my dad when he passed on. I had been there for over a week and had small children at my home with my husband 6 hours away. Things seemed stable, so I raced home for two days, never thinking he would die during that time…but that was the Lord’s timing. As I know it is true for so many. I love your statement that the Lord has spoken to you far better than the script you were longing to hear from your dad.
thank you Wanda–I hadn’t even planned on typing all that but didn’t edit my post last night! Thanks for your compassion and I’m so sorry for your loss and missing that time as well.
Elizabeth, Thanks for your sheep needs list! Yup, I’m a sheep 😉
I appreciate that you shared the following (light bulb starting to come on for me, still just flickering though. I think I had once had vague scripts for different parts of my life, and when hope for the scripts was destroyed, I gave up.)
I’m beginning to trust that God’s plans are best — to trust HIM. This sheep finally is lying down.
Elizabeth,
Still thinking about what you wrote. The loss of not experiencing the script that you hoped would happen. So THANKFUL that God has met your needs, and He is SO evident in you. Yet, to not have had the resolution you had wanted IS a loss. I know God heals and restores — and provides more than we could have imagined. Maybe that loss and grief that remains helps us to remember that this only is the “cover and title page” (from C.S. Lewis, the Last Battle)
Amen, Renee
Renee–your words have so blessed me this morning–thank you! He has gifted you with such wisdom and compassion. Thankful you’re here.
Absolutely love this, Renee. Need to remember this.
Elizabeth, thanks for sharing from Keller’s book about the four needs that must be met before the sheep can lie down. So true! I can’t truly rest or sleep if I’m feeling any of those four thing. I also appreciate your sharing about your dad, and Renee is right, it IS a loss for you to not have experienced the resolution that you wanted. I think it’s okay to say that, because then you still go on to say that the Lord spoke far better words to you, to your heart – speaking to your loss, than the scripted words you had hoped for. I think this is a point well made, because I think we all have those scripts that we want to have happen between us and someone else, but if they don’t happen, it doesn’t mean that we can’t have the life that God has planned for us.
Elizabeth-Do you recall what P.Keller said about those who haven’t been through valleys really can’t know what it means to truly rest-or something close to that..But it really hit me. I am listening to it again today..I almost wish I would have bought the book instead of doing an audio version. There is so much good stuff there. I am going to listen and re-listen to chapters as I clean today-I know God will quicken me with it and help it to stick.
I’ll check with David about posts not appearing in the right order!
Susan- WOW… what a beautiful,awesome, inspired insight you shared with us…it truly blessed me so…PRAISE BE TO OUR GOD!! thank-you for sharing it…this is such a wonderful enriching blog.
I am so enjoying P. Keller’s book. (all this great teaching from another Keller!) I love how Dee recalled that her mother read and loved the 23rd Psalm and also Keller’s book before she had put her trust in the Lord. It sure has had a big impact on many people. My oldest daughter read it when she was in high school and seemed mesmerized by it. I was amazed at how much she loved it. (as I don’t recall her reading any other ‘christian teaching’ kind of book.) I hope that those truths still come back to her or that she picks it up again some day. I was remembering the first time I read it and where we lived, so that means it was 25 years ago. Time to re-read for sure.
There will be gems in every chapter, but what hit me today was his statements about “I shall not want. It does not mean being exempt from material poverty (thus blowing apart the health and wealth gospel) but that we ‘shall not want’ because of…..’the expert care and management of our Master’. When he describes the difference between a loved and nurtured flock and that of one with an indifferent and heartless shepherd, the differences are so striking.
How blessed we are that the great Shepherd of our souls is also the Lover of our souls.
Wanda–this one truth is so life-giving, oh I pray it sinks deeper into my heart every day “How blessed we are that the great Shepherd of our souls is also the Lover of our souls. “
A. What does this say?
“He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,” (Psalm 23:2 NIV)
B. What does this mean?
I believe it means he allows us to be still, serene, quiet. He wants us to have time to think in the course of our busy days, so He modeled this when He was on earth. A friend of mine once asked me how I would hear God talking to me if I never was still and listened?
So true, Laura.
C. How has the Lord provided for your needs?
He has always been there for me. I know He is near me. It isn’t always the way I think it should be, but I do think that he has always provided. When I didn’t have a job and needed a job, he provided a way for me to be working, when I was desperate with my children because they were wayward , he took care of them and he took care of me as well; he sent someone to give me a different perspective. I have always had a roof over my head, always had enough to eat, and have been fairly healthy my whole life. I know that this is Him taking care of me. He has wanted me to be safe because my father was taken from me at a young age.
6. Meditate on verse 3.
A. Derek Kidner says that the same verb for “restore” appears in Psalm 60:1. Compare — what insight does this give you for what this verse means?
“…he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.” (Psalm 23:3 NIV)
“You have rejected us, God, and burst upon us; you have been angry—now restore us!” (Psalm 60:1 NIV)
We long to be back to “normal” by Him restoring us. No longer sinners, but more so back to the days of Adam and Eve; Your “namesake;” where life was good, peaceful, and calm in the garden. Where no sin existed, where no evil lay lurking to harm us.
Laura–this stood out to me “he sent someone to give me a different perspective”. That has so often been what has helped me too–gaining perspective, shifting to Eternal eyes, changes so much
5C. How has the Lord provided for your needs?
When I stop and think about it, what hasn’t the Lord provided?…from the very beginning I was blessed with parents that loved and cared for me; the Lord provided me with a foundation of love and support. He provided me with parents that would introduce me to Him and help me to grow spiritually. He has blessed me with a loving, respectful, caring husband who is not only my love but my best friend and companion. I have been blessed with the experience of two pregnancies and being the mother of two lovely (inside and out) daughters. I am blessed with a sweet granddaughter who helps me remember the innocence and wonder of being young. I live in a country where I have freedoms many in this world can only dream about. The Lord has provided me with employment that I enjoy and helps support my family financially. I could go on and on… Of course the greatest provision of the Lord is Jesus…providing freedom for my soul.
So good to list these!
this is beautiful Nanci–your heart of gratitude is such a great example…’a thankful heart is a happy heart’ is so true!
5. Meditate on verse 2.
A. What does this say?
He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside still waters.
B. What does this mean?
To me, green pastures mean satisfaction and still waters is peace.
I like what Phillip Keller said in his book-It is significant that to be at rest there must be a definite sense of freedom from fear, tension, aggravation and hunger.The unique aspect of the picture is that it is only the sheepman himself who can provide release from these anxieties.
I need to stop looking at what the world has to offer to have rest. There is no substitute for the Great Shepherd.
C. How has the Lord provided for your needs?
My parents, many loving people throughout my life, my husband, my nursing job, my in-laws (they prefer to live simply so they can be generous to others), my church
Ernema–I love this “The unique aspect of the picture is that it is only the sheepman himself who can provide release from these anxieties…
5. Meditate on verse 2.
A. What does this say? – “He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters.” – This is like God going about His shepherding duties; caring and providing for His flock.
B. What does this mean? – I also wonder at the word “make”. I once heard a pastor in a sermon say that he had been so busy and no time to rest, but then ended-up with an injury that made him have to be in bed for a couple of weeks and had to take it easy for a few more weeks. He said that sometimes the Lord “makes you lie down”. It could be that God knows our frailty and that we need rest, and if we won’t take care of ourselves, He’ll make a way so that we’ll have to rest.
I also am thinking of the passage in Hebrews 3 which says how the Israelites “tested and tried Me and for forty years saw what I did…their hearts are always going astray, and they have not known My ways. So I declared on oath in My anger, ‘They shall never enter my rest.'” And, “And to whom did God swear that they would never enter His rest if not to those who disobeyed? So we see that they were not able to enter, because of their unbelief.”
Going on into Hebrews 4:6, “It still remains that some will enter that rest, and those who formerly had the gospel preached to them did not go in, because of their disobedience….” (v.9) “There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from His. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience.”
So this idea of “He makes me lie down…” is a picture of being at rest, at peace. Is this the gospel? Faith is the gift of God-the very fact that we can place our trust in Him is because He first called us to Himself and gave us the gift of seeing, of believing. So we “rest from our own work”, as Hebrews says – stop trusting in our own righteousness, our own works, our own goodness, and lean wholly on Him. Then we are able to enter into His rest. The wording of there being “quiet waters” for us to be lead by speaks of not being in the desert any longer. So does green pastures. I am just wondering about the tie-in with the Israelites never getting to enter the Promised Land but having to wander in the desert for 40 years.
C. How has the Lord provided for your needs? – I have lived comfortably all of my life, always having food, clothing, a home, family. I was able to receive an education and then a job. He provided a husband for me and three children. I am amazed at all He provided for the first half of my life when I didn’t even acknowledge Him…He was still good to me. I am sure there were a couple of times when something bad could’ve happened to me, or I might have even been killed before I came to know Him. He offers His companionship and comfort to me on a daily basis, if I will but seek it. He provides for my need to be forgiven every day for the sins I commit. Just the fact that my eyes open in the morning and I can get up and move and I am healthy is from Him.
Is anyone still having trouble with their posts not working right?
Dee-Yep..I just posted a new comment and I can’t find it yet-I haven’t looked but it isn’t on the bottom where it should be. Hope that helps!
5. Meditate on verse 2.
A. What does this say?
He makes me to lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters.
B. What does this mean?
I am thinking contentment in Him regardless of my circumstances. That He takes care of me for I am His and he provides for my sustenance physically indeed and spiritually He is my satisfaction. I think of all the times He has provided in so many ways-with all my physical needs and even in not allowing things that weren’t good for me-things I thought I needed-relationships I thought I needed but He intervened. Even the hard things that came I see how everything whether circumstances I didn’t cause or maybe even did cause is from His hand whether I understand it or not. He is the GOOD Shepherd.
C. How has the Lord provided for your needs?
I will start with just breathing in the morning. 🙂 I will give one example and it is more of a relational need. I am needy-I need other believers to strengthen my faith..and He has provided that in ABUNDANCE-OVERFLOWING I MIGHT ADD.
I hope Elizabeth doesn’t mind if I tell this, but yesterday around 10:00-11:00 ish…The Holy Spirit prompted me to email Elizabeth and give her an update on how my management position training is going-it was a strong prompting but I was busy catching up cleaning around here and didn’t have time. I looked at my inbox yesterday evening and saw an email from Elizabeth almost at exactly the same time around 10:00 ish asking how it was going and wanting an update! I didn’t have time to email her last night so I waited until this morning. We ended up encouraging one another in Him with some things going on in both of our lives and praying..WOW! 🙂 SO HE PROVIDES!
Here is my post..So what I am seeing is that all of our posts are posting in order but not at the bottom. Natalie, Elizabeth and Wanda’s posts are kind of stuck at the bottom right now and everything else is going above them-but in order at least.
5b..more insight from P. Keller’s book: The Green pastures need to be tended in order to be green, so the shepherd has to cut away rock, and work hard-the result of hard labor of deep plowing and careful sowing preparation. Green pastures are essential for Ewes..God works to clear the life of rocks and tear out the roots of bitterness from our hearts- when He pulls out pride and bitterness-he tends to our hearts and makes them green and productive. He is active on my behalf constantly providing for me.
He leads me by still waters: Sheep can be unsettled and go to mud ponds for water drinking from any dirty pool to satisfy their thirst. Thirsty souls can only be satisfied when their thirst is quenched by him. God knows where this water can be found. Sheep can keep fit on the amount of water they take in..In the Christian life it is the quiet early hours we are led by the still waters. Usually lies in the quite time of each morning. We come away with the thirst quenched and heart quieted.
Although the wells where the water is that we are led to can be dark, deep and dangerous, he is with us and He restores our soul. -Loved that!
We often want the cozy corner-easy way but the shepherd may move me to a path that is less comfortable…Oh my..this is my life. :))) Sheep don’t enjoy being sheered but when it is over both shepherd and ewe are glad to be freed of our burden. God puts the cutting edge of the word to our lives, like the sheep we will struggle and kick even get a few cuts and wounds but what a relief when he is done. OUCH, but so true and reminds me of Eunice in Aslan!
OH I LOVED THIS AND I MAY BE GETTING AHEAD..I WILL STOP AFTER THIS-I THINK- BUT HAVE TO SHARE- I have to get house work done 🙂 FROM P.KELLER’S BOOK:
We long for higher ground with God-we speak of mountain top experiences and envy those who have ascended the heights , but we often get an eroneous idea of how this takes place. We think we can get air lifted onto higher ground with God-ha! I chuckled for that is true and I am guilty of that.
But this is the hard and true, but beautiful part: but on the rough trail of the christian life this isn’t the case. As a sheep one only gains higher ground by climbing through the valleys-yeah though I walk through the valley-it doesn’t say yeah though I die or stop in the valley..but we walk thorugh the valley to higher ground-even in death. As Christians once we walk through troubles he can lead us through refreshment in him through the midst of difficulty. In the valleys the flock finds refreshing water all along the way-rivers, streams and quiet pools. Despite this we shrink from valleys-but God brings benefit from them and to others by giving us strength in these valleys-not just to us but to those around us. The valleys are the only root to the high country. He knows this when he leads us through them. The question isn’t whether those valleys are dark or dim but how do we react to them or get through them. With Christ we face them calmly.
loved this Rebecca “one only gains higher ground by climbing through the valleys”. As I pictured the valley in your post, I thought–there are usually few other “sheep” with you in the valley, but the ones who do come close are especially close by nature of the valley sort of pulling them together…you know what I mean? When we are in the open field it is easy to run free independently, but a valley forces you to get close together–and those who come alongside are especially close in that valley…well, makes sense in my head 😉
Elizabeth, I replied to your post here but it didn’t post..Oh well. God knows..Maybe you will read it in your inbox. 🙂
Love your comments on the P. Keller book, Rebecca.
I have found this to be true in my life. It is also often true what Elizabeth says,
We are all by nature afraid of the valley and now there is so much teaching out there that if we follow Christ we will have only good things. Some think the valley must be a result of sin or at least lack of faith. May I not fear to draw close to those in the valley!
To clarify, Most of my comments were excerpts from his book as I was listening to it-so it isn’t exactly as he said it..but the golden quotes you and Elizabeth quoted are his exact words. I also included my thoughts so it was hard to know what to italicize or bold so I didn’t. 🙂
B. Think of a recent time when the Lord helped you repent and then led you in the right way, in His paths of righteousness.
The pastor is away on vacation. When she is away, it falls upon the Elders of the church to keep things going and give care to people who need attention. Early during this period, a woman died. She had been a shut-in for decades. The Chairman of the Elders had two names of pastors outside of our church to call who might be willing to officiate at a funeral. The Chairman called one of the pastors, and he was going to be out-of-town also. At that point, I talked with the Chairman on the phone, and she made the comment that, if the other pastor couldn’t lead the funeral, the Elders would have to do it themselves. That is allowed within our denomination, but isn’t done very often. I’m ashamed to admit it, but I told the Chairman that I wouldn’t be available to help with that. My reasoning was that, during the time the pastor was away, I was already serving at the table on one occasion, serving as worship leader on another (it was going to include more than normal — I would have to do the children’s sermon, the morning prayers, and the benediction which normally the worship leader wouldn’t have to do). And I topped it off by saying, and I have to give the message at the Rescue Mission –all of this within a 10-day period! The Chairman was a bit surprised at me, but accepted my decision. Well, I no more than got off of the phone, and the Lord began to confront me with what I had just done! “What was I talking about — couldn’t do more — for someone in grief?” “Just how would doing these other things prevent me from helping with the funeral?” “I was the one who probably knew the family the best — if it ever got back to that family that I had declined, what would they think — how hurt would they be?!!” I got back on the phone! I apologized and said I didn’t know what had gotten into me, and that I would be glad to help if that was needed. As it turned out, because the woman was in her mid-90s, the family decided to only have graveside services, and the mortuary had a pastor affiliated with them who could do that. So none of the Elders actually had to do anything. Whew! I was glad that I had time to repent and apologize before that information became known!!
C. Read Ezekiel 36:22-27 to fully understand what leading us in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake means. Contemplate and then share.
We send out a message about our God by the way we live our lives. We need to live our lives on paths of righteousness so others will be attracted to our God. It is for His righteousness sake — for His reputation — so that others may come to know Him. In order to accomplish this, God is willing to give us a new heart and put His spirit within us. No matter how impure our lives are now, God offers us a fresh start.
I appreciate your honesty, Deanna…..and your sensitive heart, to confess to those involved in your church and then to all of us. Gives me pause about my own failures and how I need to be open to His leading.
Deanna, I posted in reply to your post but it didn’t post..hmm..Maybe it is me. 🙂 Anyway, God used your post to remind me of Joseph in Genesis..It is a GREAT parallel to your answer to #C-which I loved-so well articulated!
That is beautiful, Rebecca!
David figured out the problem — it had to do with a deleted comment — but we are back and comments shouldn’t be jumping all over the place anymore! Thanks for your patience.
Thank you David!! :))
yes….Thanks!
Yes, thank you so much, David! It is a big relief!
Thank you so much David!
I’ve been trying to rest the last couple days…as I had a epidural shot in my spine and so far has not kicked in yet:( They say 3 days. I had to postpone my new total knee next Tuesday until fall, as Nellie (Dee knows her well as she use to be Steve nurse) talked to Dr. W. and they agreed I would not be able to do all the vigorous exercise and therapy needed after you get the new knee.
They see that I have a ruptured vertebrae at the very top of my fused lower back….which is causing pinched nerve and pain. It’s very easy to overdo that vertebrae as the bottom is fused and the top is not…so it gets worn out easier from all the use.
The shot will help with the pain for a few months while I heal.
Then I am getting a pain stimulator (like a pace maker for your back) which will have wires going to my spine and I will have a control thing that I will wear on my waist…to control myself…as needed for pain relief. I guess it tells your brain there is no pain.
Isn’t technology wonderful! I know a man from the church that has our Bible study…that was in so much pain after 8 back surgeries and got one of these and is pain free…he was so excited he did a little dance for me the day Dee spoke in Kearney. He was the host at the door. I feel like God arranged for me to see him there that day.
This is all a little scary for a old lady like me…65 almost! If all this goes well… I will have the knee surgery in Oct then. My daughter is moving from CA…to CO in 2 weeks and will only be 5 hrs away! She will come help with Kendra for my surgery in Oct. I will keep you posted on how things are going for me. I appreciate your prayers so much. Thank you for asking about the surgery Dee. I hate to write so much here…but felt like I needed to explain.
I must add that while I was on the table getting the shot …it hurt very bad and so much pressure….I was saying Psalms 23 over and over and when the pressure was hurting the very worst…I kept repeating…..”He leads me he side still waters…..He restores my soul.”
Earlier I said the most meaningful verse was….”I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
But the still waters and restoring my soul comforted me the most when I needed it
Thanks for listening…love my sisters here so much…you ate all like family to me. Praying for you all the time:)
Joyce you have so much ahead; praying you will stay calm in those “still waters.” You had me saying Isaiah 13 over and over when I had radiation. It really helped me 😉
Joyce, I will be continuing to pray for you…for healing in your back, for readiness for that knee surgery now in Oct. Try to take it easy on your back, too! Keep us posted as to when you’ll be getting that pain stimulator…it sounds wonderful, that it could help you to be pain free!
You will be in my prayers, Joyce! And thank you for yours!
oh Joyce, so sorry for the continued pain. Praying now the epidural has kicked in and praying for the upcoming surgery in Oct. So thankful you will have your daughter closer soon–God’s provision! You are truly such a faithful example to us all here.
Joyce, thanks so much for giving the details. Oh my! So sorry you have so much pain. I hope you get a lot of relief soon and that you are able to have your surgery in Oct.
Joyce, I am so sorry you are suffering like this! Back pain is one of the worst things — the spine is so closely connected to the brain and that seems to make the pain more intensely felt. I hope you can get things under control so you cvan have the knee surgery you need. I will be carrying you in prayer!
Dear Joyce…….I am so glad you wrote all that you did here. I knew your surgery was postponed due to your back pain, but did not know all the complications and the extent of your struggle. You will remain on my prayer list over the summer. What a lot at once. I am SO thankful that God in His mercy and wisdom, led your daughter to live so much closer to you now. Nothing surprises Him! Praying for pain relief, healing and strength to enjoy the summer. The Lily-of-the Valley is so lovely! Another metaphor of our sweet Lord. Nebraska is ahead of Minnesota as mine are just beginning to shoot up. I still only have a few…..am looking forward to them spreading everywhere!
Oh Joyce– so much for you. You have had one of the hardest lives I know, and yet the sweet fragrance of Christ exudes from you. We will continue to pray. I trust Nellie and Chris and know you are in good hands.
Oh Joyce, so sorry this pain continues. Praying for your healing.
Take care, Joyce…you are in my thoughts and prayers. May the epidural bring you relief and your body be readied for a successful surgery in October. What a blessing it will be to have your daughter and son-in-law in closer proximity…I recall when my sister and brother-in-law lived in CO (16 hours away) and when they moved back to WI (3 1/2 hours away)…it was so wonderful to have them within a driving distance.
As Jill mentioned, many thanks for your prayers, my prayer warrior sister…:) they are much appreciated.
You ARE all like family to me! Silly me!
I smiled at the typo……if we were all together, perhaps you could say….’we ate like family’ …. as well 🙂
I LOVE Lily of the Valley and it’s blooming now in NE.
I remember you saying that it grows wild all over Steve grave. ..is that right Dee? It is so beautiful and dedicate!
Love the lilies of the valley -their fragrance is marvelous. I have some growing now in Vt. and in Massachusetts. They are so resilient!
Shirley, I love the reframing as “resilient!” They have invaded my lawn! I have some lavender ones in a window well that I love — but the others have become SO invasive.
….and while working in my woodland garden this morning, I was rejoicing that my lily of the valley is finally beginning to ‘invade’! I am just waiting for the aroma! And everything else in that garden is pretty good at invading back…smile.
B. Think of a recent time when the Lord helped you repent and then led you in the right way, in His paths of righteousness.
I can’t think of the exact situation, but I’m pretty sure it had to do with something at school. It was one of those things where it seems like the more you did the deeper you dug yourself. I knew at that time that every action I took was wrong. So I ended up stopping every action and praying that God would show me the way. It took a few days, of waiting, but eventually I figured out what I needed to do to set myself on the right track. I do believe it was God who set me straight.
C. Read Ezekiel 36:22-27 to fully understand what leading us in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake means. Contemplate and then share.
His name is holy and He wants us to reflect that for Him. To do so, we need to “shine” with his glory; He transforms us to be able to show others who He is.
Please pray – if anyone sees this this morning…my son Ryan is having a dental implant at 8am…about a 45 min. procedure. Would like prayers for everything to go smoothly, no infection afterwards, and for pain to be minimal, and just for the whole thing to be successful (he was born missing a permanent incisor tooth). Thank you!
Praying now, Susan.
Yes, Susan. Praying Ryan will go through the dental implant with no complications and the procedure to go flawlessly.
Susan–praying now for Ryan–for no complications, no infection, and for an as easy as possible recovery! Let us know when you can how it went
Praying right now, Susan.
Just saw this, Susan…..Will pray for his recovery: relief and free from infection. Hope all is well. Maybe some dietary changes until it heals?
How did the procedure go for Ryan? I didn’t see the prayer request until late evening…praying all went and goes well.
Hello friends, I am sorry to be jumping in yet so thankful that I am not missing this “pearl of Psalms”.
I had a computer failure last week and had to replace it and get used to the new one. Yet I also received Keller’s book.
As I listened to the African children’s choir my heart rejoiced! The innocence and trust of children and their melodious voices is a superb
combination. Meditating on verse 1, my default whenever I am anxious or afraid, I will share. The Lord, my creator, my strength, who is all-wise, compassionate and knows me. He is the One I adore and cling to. For he is my shepherd. I look to Him for leading me and protecting me. He always knows where I am- in thought, in word and in deed. My desire is to honor him, to follow him and to reflect his glory.
I am still meditating on the contentment phrase and I am grateful to have the insight of Keller on this. I realize that though I have needs that
are not being met presently, I may be content in knowing that God knows my need. He knows best how to meet them.
Also, Joyce, thanks for sharing your physical issues. I will be praying for you. My dear friend, Sue, is experiencing the challenge of chronic
back pain. God knows the struggles we endure.
Shirley–so good to see you post, and love your meditation “The Lord, my creator, my strength, who is all-wise, compassionate and knows me.” That was beautiful.
Thank you Shirley…I will pray for your friend Sue.
Thank you all for being so kind. I’m feeling a little better today.
Wanda…love the idea of us all eating together. ( my typo error! ) One day we will all be together!
Praying for Ryan Susan.
6. Meditate on verse 3. I see here deliverance and then guidance. Just like the gospel – He saves us and then guides us, like the exodus, He delivered the Israelites and then gave them the law. He restores my soul and then guides me for His name’s sake.
A. Derek Kidner says that the same verb for “restore” appears in Psalm 60:1. Compare — what insight does this give you for what this verse means? The amplified Bible says “restore us and turn Yourself to us again.” So restore would be forgiveness, a righting of relationship between us and Him, a reconnection of hearts.
B. Think of a recent time when the Lord helped you repent and then led you in the right way, in His paths of righteousness. The most obvious is my story with reading Idol Lies, how He came and opened my eyes to my sin and idolatry. More specifically I used to yell at my kids, terrible ='( But now He comes to me and my heart is much calmer, I don’t yell at all like I used to, but my idol does plague me and sometimes I “give in” and find myself angry for selfish reasons and yelling. Then He convicts me and loves them through me, and I apologize to them and repent and “try again.” he is teaching me to love them as He loves me, gospel love. He prompts me to move toward then, work with them rather than controlling them.
C. Read Ezekiel 36:22-27 to fully understand what leading us in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake means. Contemplate and then share. God is wanting to make right that which has been made profane. Sort of like clearing his reputation. What is lovely is that He does this for His names sake but then that turns into a way to minister to us. I see this sometimes in our time – someone turned off by religious people but then meeting a Christian who is “different” and it rights the persons concept of God and they end up coming to Him. I will be thinking on this more.
6. Meditate on verse 3.
A. Derek Kidner says that the same verb for “restore” appears in Psalm 60:1. Compare — what insight does this give you for what this verse means?
He breaks me by carefully pulling the weeds and removing stone; He reveals my sin. I have found while it is painful He has been gentle at least with me, i am pretty frail- I admit! Usually He breaks me in valley times, and has been melting me with the Gospel which drives me to turn to Him! He changes me by restoring me through His Word, in prayer-through my pastor and especially so through this blog. His Holy Spirit in me convicts, encourages and opens my eyes to hear Him in scripture. I am seeing how when I yield to Him that the Holy Spirit is the One Who counsels and woos me helping me to bend my will to yield.
B. Think of a recent time when the Lord helped you repent and then led you in the right way, in His paths of righteousness.
So-this is a petty example but true! I admit that when I am around someone who talks constantly it annoys me. I am focused and like to think through things before doing them and when someone interrupts me constantly, I admit- after a while I can snap at them.
SO God gives me a sweet, dear, relational husband who loves to talk and talk while he is doing things-often in question form-and it doesn’t matter if I am working or not. He can talk for 20 minutes straight. I am careful not to snap at him so after a while I just ignore it-I have told him several times I appreciate no interruptions while working or spending time with God in the word, but it is just the way he is.
In the kitchen God placed a gal right across from me who talks from the minute she arrives until she leaves..and won’t leave me alone even when I walk away..I hear across the kitchen, “Becca!”..The other day I just said, “unless it is an emergency-I am busy right now.” but I gritted my teeth and rolled my eyes as I walked away.
My sin is not loving well. I do set boundaries with people but when they forget I tend to have a lack of patience and Grace-my idol is comfort! I am being short with others so that I can remain in my focused comfort zone. The gal in the kitchen drives everyone nuts and they talk about her..and I joined in last week in gossip. Oh my.
So ignoring it isn’t the solution really..it is loving people as they are, as Jesus does and being patient and long suffering just as Jesus is with me and my weaknesses. It is trusting God is in control, not me-God has this! So perhaps I could pray for them and for my wicked heart.
C. Read Ezekiel 36:22-27 to fully understand what leading us in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake means. Contemplate and then share.
From what I gleaned in Ezekiel, the point of restoring us is so that He can vindicate His holiness before other’s eyes-v23. Yet it is a process of tilling our ground-removing stones from our heart cleaning us from our idolatry via His Holy Spirit inside-v.24-27.
Rebecca…I admire you so much…your heart is overflowing with God’s love. We all have those times. …as we are human.
I am normally a quite person too and others that talk constantly get on my nerves also. I guess God is testing us!
Rebecca, thank you for being so transparent and honest here. I struggle with loving well, too. I may not say a word, but what I am thinking or those nonverbal things (eye rolling) are present, as well as impatience.
6. Meditate on verse 3.
A. Derek Kidner says that the same verb for “restore” appears in Psalm 60:1. Compare — what insight does this give you for what this verse means?
In Psalm 60, David pleads to God to restore His relationship to him–“oh, restore us”. In Psalm 23:3, David proclaims His promise to restore our relationship. He has ultimately restored my relationship to the Father through the Cross, and He daily restores me in forgiveness of sin, calling me back to Him when I stray.
B. Think of a recent time when the Lord helped you repent and then led you in the right way, in His paths of righteousness.
Most recently, a few hours ago!, I repented to my 7 year old in need of his forgiveness. We hugged and prayed, and it occurred to me how much easier it is to ask forgiveness of one who I know loves me and I have full confidence I will be forgiven. It convicted me to be that. To be the grace-giving one who makes it easy to confess. The grace given me by a child taught me again the importance of lavishing it on others.
C. Read Ezekiel 36:22-27 to fully understand what leading us in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake means. Contemplate and then share.
Ezekiel 36:22: “but for the sake of my holy name”. He guides me in paths of righteousness “for His Name’s sake’-His reputation
Ez. 36:26 “And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.”
He leads me in the path of righteousness by making me a New Creation, and granting me the righteousness of Christ.
Elixabeth…I love you answer to B…
especially ” Lavishing your grace on others”.
Love your heart!
A. While “valley of death” can refer to other deep times of need other than death, it is so comforting to think of this in terms of our final need. Have you a story of how God helped one you love through this valley? (I have told mine in The God of All Comfort.)
I have had a couple of situations where a member of my husband’s family was in hospice and unresponsive when I visited. In each case, I just held the hand of the person and prayed aloud, asking Jesus to draw near to the person and to help them to feel His presence and comfort. I have no way of knowing whether it was helpful to the person or not. My brother-in-law died just minutes after I prayed. My sister-in-law lasted another couple of days. I hope my prayer was helpful in each case. There is no way to know for sure.
B. Derek Kidner points out that the phrase “you are with me” is very personal — the more distant “He” is replaced with “you,” and instead of leading, He is not alongside — with. What does it mean to you that Jesus will be with you at the point of death?
When I went through grief counseling after Steve died, I told the counselor I would never remarry, for one reason (and I have many) was that I didn’t want to cross the river to Steve with someone else with me. She said, “Dee — we all cross the river alone.” I remember feeling chilled — about crossing the river alone! But now I see I won’t be alone — Jesus will be with me, at my side — not ahead, but rightwith me through the valley of death.
I am truly depending on Christ being right with me through the “valley of death.” Death is a big unknown to all of us, and that makes it a bit scary! I take some comfort from some of the near-death experiences, most say they saw Jesus and a bright light at the end of the tunnel. I guess I won’t really know until I get there–but I hope Jesus would come to me and lead me through it. I’m trusting on that!
Deanna..
.loved that you prayed with those dying…they say the last to go is our brain and hearing…so to always continue talking to them….even tho they are unresponsive.
I know Jesus will be right with us as we cross over! I loved that Dee….told us that story too….it comforts me so much.
Deanna…..
Loved that you prayed with those dying…they say the last to go is the brain and hearing…so to always continue talking to them….even tho they are unresponsive.
I know Jesus will be right with us as we cross over! I loved that Dee….told us that story too….it comforts me so much.
Just thought of a resource on Psalm 23 that was such a comfort to me a few years ago. Is anyone familiar with the DVD by Ken Curtis called “Reflections on Psalm 23 for People with Cancer.” ? Ken Curtis was the president of Vision Video and also Christian History Institute and magazine. I had seen the DVD advertised in the Vision Video catalogs and purchased a few copies, when my sister’s breast cancer recurred for the 3rd time, shortly after my mom had died of brain cancer (my dad; several years earlier….the cancer history in my family is very extensive) When my sister’s recurred, I was frightened. I was not ready for the disease to start ravaging our generation. The teaching and personal reflection in the video (a segment for every verse of the Psalm) was a HUGE comfort to me. In fact, I would get up in the night when I woke up and couldn’t get back to sleep and watch another segment. I gave my sister a copy and I know she liked it….but not sure if it hit her the same way as it did, me. I also bought copies for our church library and shared with some others. Mr Curtis, when he was diagnosed with an advanced cancer, felt God call him to go to Israel and make these videos as he related his personal experience of trusting the shepherd. (The Lord did call him home in 2011….but he had far more time than doctors thought when he was diagnosed). So…another resource for those who are interested. (OH….and just so you know, my sister is doing well! Has had many, many rounds of chemo and will be on an oral chemo the rest of her life as long as it keeps working…..but she continues to work full time and is thriving….16 years since her first dx). I also acknowledge that everyone’s cancer story is different…..for those who have it and for those who love them….not all will find the same comfort in another’s story. I have also chosen not to share this with some of my friends with cancer….
I’m so thankful your sister I’d doing good Wanda.
C. What is the purpose of the rod? The staff? (Do a little research!) What does this mean in your life?
I found excerpts from Phillip Keller’s A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 on-line. I haven’t had an opportunity to get my hands on hard copy yet. That is where I gathered the following research on the rod and staff:
The Rod
The typical way a shepherd gets a rod is to take a young sapling which is dug from the ground. This is carved and whittled down with great care and patience. The enlarged base of the sapling where its trunk joins the roots is shaped into a smooth, rounded head of hard wood. The sapling itself is shaped to exactly fit the owner’s hand
The rod was what he relied on to safeguard both himself and his flock in danger. And it was, furthermore, the instrument he used to discipline and correct any wayward sheep that insisted on wandering away
There is a second dimension in which the rod is used by the shepherd for the welfare of his sheep — namely that of discipline. If the shepherd saw a sheep wandering away from its own, or approaching poisonous weeds, or getting too close to danger of one sort or another, the club would go whistling through the air to send the wayward animal scurrying back to the bunch.
Then there was what the Old Testament referred to as passing “under the rod”: This meant not only coming under the owner’s control and authority, but also to be subject to his most careful, intimate and firsthand examination. A sheep that passed “under the rod” was one which had been counted and looked over with great care to make sure all was well with it.
A skilled judge will take his rod and part the sheep’s wool to determine the condition of the skin, the cleanliness of the fleece and the conformation of the body.
Finally the shepherd’s rod is an instrument of protection both for himself and his sheep when they are in danger. It is used both as a defense and a deterrent against anything that would attack.
The skilled shepherd uses his rod to drive off predators like coyotes, wolves, cougars or stray dogs. Often it is used to beat the brush discouraging snakes and other creatures from disturbing the flock.
The Staff:
No other single word can better describe its function on behalf of the flock than that it is for their “comfort.”
The shepherd’s staff is normally a long, slender stick, often with a crook or hook on one end.
Three ways a staff is used:
(1) in drawing sheep together into an intimate relationship. The shepherd will use his staff to gently lift a newborn lamb and bring it to its mother if they become parted
(2) by the shepherd to reach out and catch individual sheep, young or old, and draw them close to himself for intimate examination.
(3) The staff is also used for guiding sheep.
C. Read Ezekiel 36:22-27 to fully understand what leading us in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake means. Contemplate and then share.
God clearly declares the holiness of His name and that it has been profaned among the nations. God’s name and reputation have been decimated by those of His people who have gone to other places and not been a righteous ambassador for Him. vs. 23 says , ” I show myself holy through you before their eyes’. What a humbling and enormous honor it is for God’s people to be a reflection of God’s holiness. This is the same message that Jesus repeats in Matthew 5:16…..’let your light shine before men that they may see your good works and bring glory to God, the Father, in heaven’….. And how we all fail as Israel did. We go our own way…..just as Isaiah prophecied is one of the greatest chapters in all of scripture…..Is. 53. We ARE like sheep. We turn to our own way. It’s completely amazing how well the analogy sticks…..in so very many aspects of our life we parallel sheep. And so, the loving, compassionate, wise shepherd who brings us back to the flock and leads us in paths of righteousness…..saves our lives and saves our souls. He removes the stubborn, cold and selfish hearts of stone and replaces them with a heart of flesh…..one that will yield to his leading and bring honor and glory to the Great Shepherd of our souls. (I’m reading Keller’s chapter on this verse right now. Again, the examples of how sheep that are well cared for and that follow the wise and good leading of their shepherd, bring honor and respect to the owner’s name. Those who are neglected and allowed to go wherever they please, always end up in ruin and their demise brings disgrace to their shepherd.)
Oh thank you everyone for your prayers for Ryan! The procedure went well…he’s resting now with pain medication but as the local anesthetic wears off, he’s feeling it.
Praying for Ryan…Susan.
Have to say that while looking up the Ezekiel 36 passage, I read through the whole chapter of Ezekiel 34. WOW. I don’t know how long it’s been since I’ve read it, but reading it in light of this study and P. Keller’s book…..it really came alive! ! Vs 16 stirs my heart…”I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak but the sleek and the strong I will destroy. I will shepherd the flock with justice.”
That’s so good, Wanda!
7 B. What does it mean to you that Jesus will be with you at the point of death?
This reminds me of my favorite passage—Isaiah 43—“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.”
I do not really fear death that much, at least in theory! I have had 2 times I really thought I could be “close”—both Anaphylaxis (serious allergic reactions). The first time, before kids, I remember being thankful I was with a Christian Dr I knew well, and I had peace. The 2nd time I do remember begging God for this to not be the time—it seems crazy in retrospect, except that I didn’t want my children to endure the loss of their mom so young. Anyway, it does give me great comfort to know He carries me now, and continues to carry me through death in this world.
1 Cor 15:55 “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?”
C. What is the purpose of the rod? The staff? (Do a little research!) What does this mean in your life?
Phillip Keller says “Whereas the rod conveys the concept of authority, of power, of discipline, of defense against danger, the word “staff” speaks of all that is longsuffering and kind.”
Other commentaries said the rod was usually a short club for fighting off wild beasts, offering protection; the staff was a longer pole with a crook on the end used to aid the sheep, offering guidance.
I know I need the Lord’s discipline, protection, and His guidance in every area of my life and deep down, I long for it. This perfectly balanced combination of rod and staff—authority and love—truth and mercy, it is the character of Christ.
Oh thank you for sharing your very personal experience with life 0r death moments. How blessed we here, are that those times were not the time the Lord was calling you home. How scary and yet I am so blessed to hear that you had peace at that time, Elizabeth. I love your last sentence about the rod and staff.
Dee, I have been so touched by the words and thoughts you shared in response to Steve’s death and your discussion with your counselor. It really stirred my heart when I first read it. What a loving and sweet desire you have.
At my mom’s funeral, my brother-in-law (who is the pastor of her church) used the words from several gospel songs in his message (since my mom was such a lover of music and song) and he also talked about crossing the river alone…..that no other person can go with us. We can be with someone up to that very moment, but we can’t cross over with them. In many ways, I felt that same ‘chilling’ that you spoke of. I had been right next to her when she died….but I could not be WITH her. She had gone on without us. Nothing about death seems ‘hypothetical’ when we’ve been so close to someone who has died. Our own death seems so much more real too. So, the words you shared from Kidner regarding the change to the personal pronoun and the personal nature of the shepherd’s presence are so immensely meaningful. “I will fear no evil. For YOU are with me’. What does it mean that Christ will be with me at the point of death? It means EVERYTHING.
Thank you for sharing your story about your mom, Wanda, and your thoughts on His presence at that time.
Thank you, Wanda.
Yes, so comforting to know He will be with us, even then.
Dear Elizabeth….I’m praising God for sparing you both of those times. That explains why you have such a intimate relationship with your Saviour. So thankful your here!
7. Meditate on verse 4.
A. While “valley of death” can refer to other deep times of need other than death, it is so comforting to think of this in terms of our final need. Have you a story of how God helped one you love through this valley?
I sort of hesitated to share a story from my mom’s death because you have all heard from me, in the story about my dad this week. But, in answer to this question, I’d like to relate the peaceful way in which mom left us for her heavenly home. She had been dx with a brain tumor about 14 months earlier. We kept her at home with round the clock care (family taking turns) as long as we possibly could but after awhile, her physical needs became overwhelming so she lived her last year in a care center. As the tumor took over her mind, things could change day by day. She went from being extremely cheerful (all the CNA’s loved her because she was so thankful and fun to be around) … to days of crying most of the day….many days when she just stared and didn’t speak….or spoke nonsense words…..to moments of cracking jokes and being like herself again. Emotionally, such a hard year. I live 6 hours from where she was and I made 14 round trips that year. I never knew how she would be when I got there. The last week, she slipped into a coma on Thursday. I drove up there and my sister and I were with her nearly all day, every day then. Saturday, other family members came and my sister and I had been singing to her and we realized that our harmony on ‘I’ll Fly Away’ was not too bad….so we kept singing it over and over. Especially when someone new came in the room….we had to sing it for them. Mom LOVED music, had played piano at church for decades, directed church choirs, sang all the time and knew a gazillion gospel songs. Her mouth moved when we sang the song, as though she were trying to sing along. Sunday morning, the hospice nurse was with us, telling us the time was very close. We held her hands and kept talking to her and telling her she could go home with Jesus when she saw Him. The Lord’s presence was so palpable in the room. When she did breathe her last, we looked at the clock and we both had the very same thought. ‘She made it in time for the prelude’. I can’t remember now, which one of us said it aloud but we were both thinking it. Mom had always started the piano prelude 15 minutes before the morning worship service in the years when she was the pianist and that was just about exactly the time it was when she left this world behind to be with her Savior and worship in heaven that morning. I can’t explain why we were so blessed to experience such amazing timing. But I can give testimony to the God of Peace being so near. I believe He must have been walking with her through that valley as He was so near to us who were left on earth.
Oh Wanda, I just replied to your post above, and then I read this one…so beautiful and moving… yet that last year sounds as if it was so hard on you, too. I can just picture the scene in my mind, though, the way you describe all of you being there with your mom when she passed on to be with Jesus, and then the timing part of it…wow.
Wanda…that leaves me in Awe…about how your mother left this world! Thank you for sharing such private, precious moments about how both your parents died. I can visualize them together in Heaven now…how sweet.
Wanda–what a BEAUTIFUL story of your Mom. I know it must have been so hard too, but what a gift from Him to experience such assurance of His presence–it speaks to me too of the power of music in worship. When words are hard to find, music stirs our soul and becomes a love language between us and Him. This is a lovely testament to that.
Wanda, both of the stories about your parents’ deaths were so precious! Thank you for sharing them with us! So good that you were attuned to the Lord’s presence in each case and that you recognized the blessings in the midst of your grief.
6. Meditate on verse 3.
A. Derek Kidner says that the same verb for “restore” appears in Psalm 60:1. Compare – what insight does this give you for what this verse means?
In Psalm 61, the context is that the Lord has been angry with his people, and they are crying out to Him to be restored. This verb “restore” seems to imply a restoration of a right relationship with the Lord…a calling back, a starting over again. So in Psalm 23, it could mean God calling us back to Himself after a time of wandering away from Him, or a time of being anxious, distracted, or even repentance over sin and a turning back to Him. It says to me that whatever has not been right between me and God – whatever has gotten in the way, He removes it and restores me to be able to experience His presence, His peace.
B. Think of a recent time when the Lord helped you repent and then led you in the right way, in His paths of righteousness.
I recently had a large gathering at my home-a bridal shower for my niece. As the date grew nearer, I began to fret about all the work I was going to have to do to be prepared – mainly all the cleaning. Then I fretted about the cleaning-up afterward…the scrubbing of floors, cleaning the kitchen, etc… My sister and I were giving the shower together, but when she had different ideas about what to do I found myself getting silently resentful.
(And I didn’t think I had a problem with a control idol) Clearly, I have idols of comfort and control along with a healthy dose of being self-centered. I had to ask the Lord many times to change my heart, to let go of being more worried about my house getting dirty rather than desiring to be hospitable and to welcome people into my home and to focus on my guests and their comfort. To let it go if my sister wanted to do something her way. The biggest thing was when I would start going down that trail in my thinking, I had to stop those thoughts and ask God to redirect my thinking. As it turned out, everything went well…my niece and her guests and family had a fun time and guess what – my daughter pitched right in after everyone left and helped tidy the house and really, there wasn’t any mess at all!
C. Read Ezekiel 36:22-27 to fully understand what leading us in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake means. Contemplate and then share.
The first thing I am seeing here is that once again, the point is made that the Bible is not primarily about us, but about HIM. God was not going to restore His people for their sake (for their benefit, comfort) but for the sake of HIS holy name, which was being profaned because of their bad behavior. This verse grabs attention: “Then the nations will know that I am the Lord…when I show myself holy through you before their eyes.”
We are the vessels through which God declares HIS holiness. This reminds me of Jesus saying that when men see our good deeds, it points them to God. We are not to be the center of attention, the “glory-getters”. When He leads us in paths of righteousness, it is ultimately for His name to be glorified and praised when people see Him living through us.
Susan–I can fully relate to “B”! Such a good example of taking every thought captive “when I would start going down that trail in my thinking, I had to stop those thoughts and ask God to redirect my thinking”. That is hard work! It is so much easier to let the snow ball of thoughts, self-justification… continue to grow and roll down hill but you were blessed by your obedience!
Susan…I use to be just like that too….
always worried about how clean the house was…thinking of the guests last! I think I’ve changed a lot as I’ve gotten older…..letting go of worries about the house and would much rather fellowship with my guests.
So thankful it all worked out great for you after the bridal shower!
Reviewing after being gone for a day and a half (Ugh!). Needing to think about the flies right now. Please pray that I would stand still for him to anoint me with oil. The flies of extreme incompetence and gross financial mismanagement are making life challenging.
Praying for a good dose of oil, Renee…..and peace.
7. Meditate on verse 4.
A. Have you a story of how God helped one you love through this valley? My mom moved her mom cross country years ago because she was slowly declining mentally and physically. This was really hard. My mom would visit my grandmother every day. I would go with her on the weekends. It was so hard to watch a lovely lady loose awareness and live …. minimally, just surviving and suffering mentally (she wouldn’t remember where she was and would think people were stealing from her, etc.) After 3 years we got a call from the nurse saying that she wasn’t doing well. We went down to the nursing home to see her (I was only 23 and had had no encounters with death to this point and so didn’t realize what was happening). There were many tears from my mom about lost time and things unsaid.
But then the chaplain came in…I do not remember what He said but then he sang a hymn (I do not remember which one) and then he said “Dorothy, we love you so much, it’s ok for you to go home now.” And she passed in that very minute. Before that she had been struggling to breath and just seemed in pain mentally, and after he said that it was as if she grasped the peace offered her and just went home. My mother and I speculated that she was hanging on for us because we kept talking to her about memories and that we loved her and neither of us had the strength (or even presence of mind?) to let her go. We have always been so thankful for that pastor that came. I do not remember his name, but I am sure my mom does. Even though our hearts broke that night we were grateful for His peace that she rode on to His glory and for her suffering finally over.
Still brings me to heavy tears to this day. Not only in loosing my grandma but watching my mom loose her mom was so incredibly difficult. Anyway…He helped my grandma through the valley and, I believe, we saw her accept that help.
Jill, thanks for sharing about your grandma, Dorothy. What a double heartache for you, too – to grieve losing your grandma, and to see your mom’s grief over losing her mom. How wise the chaplain was who came in, and how his words brought comfort.
Jill…such a sweet story of a peaceful passing, even though my heart breaks too because I know the extreme sadness of watching one’s loved one go through those physical and mental losses. And it must have been very hard at the tender age of 23. What a blessing that you and your mom were there for each other and for your grandmother. And the blessing of that chaplain. What a caring and loving role he had.
6A. Compare–what insight does this give you for what this verse means?
In Psalm 60:1, David feels as if the Lord is far and has rejected him…he yearns for restoration. In Psalm 23:3, David states that the Lord restores his soul. The insight I receive, is that it is me who distances myself from the Lord, who rejects Him; the Lord is always with me, if He feels distant to me, it is my feeling and not reality. The Lord is always desiring relationship with us; if the relationship faulters it is my doing and not the Lord’s…He is always willing to provide restoration, it is I who stray.
B. Think of a recent time when the Lord helped you repent and then led you in the right way, in His paths of righteousness.
Sometimes when I am driving home from work, eager to get home and relax (especially after intense, long work days), I have a tendency to be impatient and frustrated with other drivers on the road (e.g., why are they in the fast lane when they are going slow?…get over!). In Soul Keeping I recently came upon a section regarding blessings and curses. Ortberg (via Dallas Willard) makes the point that we have two choices, to bless or curse…he explains that a curse isn’t only nasty words uttered or overt actions; “You can curse someone with an eyebrow. You can curse someone with a shrugged shoulder. … The better you know someone, the more subtly and cruelly you can curse them.” This was truth laid out plain before me…rather than blessing people on the road (and in other situations 🙁 ), I have been cursing them. I don’t know the days they have had, what they might be dealing with in life, etc. …oh, Lord, forgive my impatience and lack of compassion…help me to do better.
Like your entire post, Nanci. The truth that the Lord always desires relationship with us…that feeling distant from Him is a feeling and not a reality. And then, oh…the conviction of how we can curse not only with nasty words, but with an eyebrow, a shrugged shoulder, and “the better you know someone, the more subtly and cruelly you can curse them.”
Both answers so good, Nanci! I am so like the one who strays and then feels like the Lord is distant. Went through this fairly severely not too many years ago. He IS always waiting and longing for us to return.
and your words about blessing or cursing hit me squarely too. I am SO guilty of the ‘curse with the eyebrow’…or the shrugged shoulder….or the stern look. Ugh. I needed that convicting challenge today. I default to stuff like that alot when I get frustrated with my husband. Guilty here. Thanks for spelling that out in your honesty.
7. B. What does it mean to you that Jesus will be with you at the point of death? I have always thought of it in terms similar to He is here with me now. As I approach my final breath He is with me just as much as He is with me now. I also think of it as His clothing of righteousness. As death seeks to claim me I will be spared the separation from God because He is with me – His cloak covers me, never falling off. I confess I know very little about the specific details of how crossing the river will look but He promises us eternity with Him I wonder if once I am shed of my shell I will more fully experience Him with me because I will loose the temptation of this world? And the distractions of my human heart? Though I am the same as Elizabeth, asking God to allow me to be a mother till my boys are grown before I pass (and I do not think that we can ever not be grieved at the thought of leaving those we love behind), it is exciting to think of joining Christ!
C. What is the purpose of the rod? The staff? (Do a little research!) What does this mean in your life? The amplified bible says:
Others have given good insight to the rod and the staff. The thing that jumps out to me is that the rod and staff are used to manipulate the environment around the sheep (beating the brush, beating predators, etc.) as well as being used directly on the sheep. This gives me a sense of safety. That He sets a parameter around me and does not allow anything into to my green pastures and still waters that He is not aware of. He is aware and able.