By Still Waters - Reflections /// Psalm 23

Psalm 23: emphasis mine.

The Lord is my Shepherd, I have all that I need.

He lets me rest in green meadows.

He leads me besides streams where I find rest.

And he renews my strength there.

He guides me along the right path.

He guides to bring honor to his Name.

Even when I am walking in the darkest part of the valley, I have no fear.

He is with me.

Therefore, I have no anxiety.

I am not afraid because he is close beside me.

His Shepherding tools protect and bring me comfort.

A feast is prepared for me.

Even in the presence of my enemy I can eat with ease.

God anoints my head with oil.

He honors me by doing so.

My cup overflows with his Joy.

It is certain that his Goodness and his Unfailing Love will be with me.

He will be in pursuit of me, all the days of my life.

And I long to dwell in his house.

With my God, my Father, my Beloved, forever.

Prayer of Response:

Help to lead me in the way everlasting.

Search me, my God.

Create in me a pure heart.

Restore the joy of your salvation within me.

Help me find full life.

God I want to know what to do, but more so to know that you are in it, than for the sake of knowing. Please teach me to discern and listen for your voice in what to start - if anything at all. Give me a clear 'yes' or 'no', so that I can speak my 'yes' or my 'no' accordingly.

Remove my iniquities.

Wash me white as snow.

Cleanse my hands and reposture my heart, so that I may be more inclined to praise you.

Reframe my desires.

Help remind me to look to you, to call upon your name in my most heated and selfish moments. Help me know that you are with me.

Teach me to lead a generation so they might seek the face of God - the God of Jacob.

Tach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart that I may fear your name.

Lord, my Shepherd, refresh my soul.

Help me slow down and see your mighty and loving hand at work in my life.

Refresh my soul.

Help me prioritize my time with you, that I may be refreshed, restored, made new.

Guide me to grow in wisdom.

Help me to avoid going with the sinful or walk in their paths, but instead help my feet rush to what is good (Proverbs 1:15-16).

May it be that I find life, and not have any evil deeds take my life from me (Proverbs 1:19).

Help me avoid the complacency of fools that is their destruction (Proverbs 1:32B).

Have your knowledge always remain pleasant to my soul (Proverbs 2:10B).