Daily Reading: 4-14-16
Psalm 23 New Living Translation (NLT)
While he is going about his day to day vocational activity, David has an experience with the Lord. In his “aha” moment, David writes a song of wisdom about and to God. A light shines in his heart and he realizes God loves him and cares for him in very specific ways. David is a shepherd; through the lens of that responsibility, David experiences and understands the Lord as his Shepherd. God meets David and kindles a growing relationship with him by working through something familiar. God takes what is familiar to us; what we do understand and uses it to teach us more about Himself and His great longing for our hearts. God longs for communion—the sharing or exchange of familiar thoughts and feelings on a spiritual level.
A psalm of David.
1
The Lord is my shepherd;
I have all that I need.
2
He lets me rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams.
3
He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.
4
Even when I walk
through the darkest valley,[a]
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me.
5
You prepare a feast for me
in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
6
Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord
forever.