The Shepherd Is Near

He leadeth me beside the still waters

Psalm 23 KJV

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.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

Amen!

The Shepherd's Psalm is a favorite among many. Over the years it has become a prayer of affirmation for me. Praying it daily I am reminded that I am living in the presence of God and that, for me, is most comforting and reassuring. The very thought of being in God's presence brings me peace.

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want" because God is with me. "He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; he leadeth me beside the still waters." I know with this affirmation that He does it because He is present in my life. God does all of these things as affirmed in the Shepherd's Psalm because He is present in our lives. He is not a God far off. He is very near.  

We get to live in His presence today. We get to dwell in His presence, in His house, in His Kingdom for ever. Thanks be to God in Christ Jesus who gave His life that we might live in His presence now and forever!

God's Peace - Pr. Judy