On a Path

Psalm 23 gives a beautiful example of how God helps us fulfill His purpose for us as we walk on life's path.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. The Lord cares for us as a shepherd does for sheep. The shepherd knows that if left alone, the sheep will wander away and get lost or hurt. He keeps them close and protects them from danger. The Lord leads us, holds us close, and protects us.

He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. Not only does he lead and protect us, but he gives us peace. Amid daily struggles, trauma, and war, he gives rest. His pastures are green, and the waters are still and peaceful. Are you anxious? About the job, family, society, war? The Lord will restore your soul and bring you peace.

He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. We are on a path through life. Do we choose to follow the Lord on the path of righteousness? If we do, we have a leader, a guide, and a protector. Even when that path leads through the valley of the shadow of death, He is there. Sometimes we go off the path and end up in the valley, but the Lord is still there. We don't need to fear in the valley, even though there is a shadow of death, the Lord is our light on the path. He is with us. Going through that valley without the Lord leaves us stumbling in the dark without a guide, running into trees, and running from wild animals. Walking without the Lord leaves us wandering without a purpose.

Your rod and your staff, they comfort me. The Lord has a rod and staff to protect us. He is fighting off the lions, tigers, and bears that are in the valley, so much so that we don’t even see all the dangers we face on a day-to-day basis.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. The Lord provides for us. We’re facing our enemies—in the middle of a battle, struggling, weary, angry—and the Lord prepares a meal. Not just a meal, but he prepares a table, so we have a place to sit, eat, and rest. He meets our needs, but He also goes beyond what we think we need, to cover everything related to that need.

You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. He gives blessings. He gives so much. We have a lot of things in this world, but the Lord gives us that and more. He gives love, courage, peace, joy, etc. He also gives faith. If you lack faith, pray, seek the Lord, and He will give it. He will show you joy, peace, and rest, and He will meet your needs.

“Don't be pushed around by the fears in your mind. Be led by the dreams in your heart.” ~Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart

If fear is at work in your life, you can find the dreams of your heart. You can walk the path of the Shepherd. You can lie down in the green pastures, and rest beside still waters. You can eat at the table and be anointed by the oil of the Lord.

If you have never accepted Jesus as Savior, all you need to do is believe, confess your sin, ask the Lord to change your heart and accept the free gift of salvation that’s offered to you.

If you’re a Christian who is struggling, pray, seek the Lord, and seek His direction. He has the table prepared for you. The oil is ready to anoint and bless you. Walk the path, be restored, and be comforted.