Ps 23: 5b, 6 “You anoint my head with oil;” [As my Shepherd you care for me, you pour out your goodness on me every day. Oil here can represent many things, among them the Holy Spirit, protection, blessing, provision and healing. Shepherds put oil on the heads of sheep to keep away pesky insects, to heal wounds, to refresh. You, Lord, provide for us all these and more in your gracious giving, pouring out continually from your unending, inexhaustible store of riches.]
“My cup runs over.” [You bring me what I need and far more. What I actually need is air, water, food, clothing, shelter and love. When I look at what you have given me it is way beyond that, much more than what I need spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, physically, socially, financially and in every other realm. And it is my privilege and responsibility to share these with others, let your blessings to me flow over on others. For example, the joy you give me should bring joy to others as I am kind, thoughtful, positive and helpful to them, whether I feel like it or not. The material provisions I should be sharing around. The spiritual riches I should also be passing along. In your Kingdom getting and hoarding is not the norm, receiving and giving is.]
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life;” [Goodness and mercy are your constant gifts to your children; it is a certainty that in each situation you are pouring these into our lives, but very often we cannot see them at the moment—however, when we look back at a difficult situation, there they are, following us! This has been and will be true throughout the whole of our lives with you. You are faithful, you are good and you are merciful. Praise be to you my wonderful Shepherd!]
“And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.” [What a hope for the future: I WILL be in your presence for eternity. Death holds no fear, shortness of life holds no panic, the future holds no threat: we press on to what you have for us now in this life and more so in the next. You are the One we yearn for, live for, hope for, and our hope is as certain as your Love, your Word, your Power, your present Presence! Glory and honor are due your wonderful Name, Lord Jesus. May my life give you honor today as I trust you through praise and thanksgiving in and for all.]
