Praying Psalm 23:3

I have had the blessing of growing up in a Christian home. I attended private Christian schools all the way through my senior graduation and have grown up regularly attending church. I have heard the words of Psalm 23 since infancy, literally. And while that is such a sweet blessing, it can be a little bit of a danger too. I heard this so often that my heart became dull to it’s meaning. But in this season of life God has renewed it’s sweetness in my heart and mind.

“He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” (Psalm 23:3). The Lord has been teaching me so much about prayer through this short verse. Following David’s example I have been learning so much through his attitude of trust and hope in God. David is anointed and promised a throne, and then the current king hunts him like a madman. In this time, David teaches us how to pray so many things through these truths. May we pray for the grace to let God restore our souls and lead us in His ways in every season and circumstance. Our Father loves us so much that He has given us free will; we are not slaves or robots. He so desperately wants us to accept His unconditional and unfailing love. Only He is able to love us in a way that fully satisfies and fills our souls. May we pray for humility to know He leads us because of His character- who He is and what He has done for us- not of our own merit. We cannot earn His approval or help because of anything we in and of ourselves do. We cannot do anything to change His love or who He is. He loves and He leads because it is His character; He is our Heavenly Father. May we pray for submission to follow our shepherd trusting that He knows not only the destination but also each and every step of the way. “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” (John 14:3). As a shepherd leads his flock to the greener pasture, he has to know not only where he is going but also the best way to get there. We do not know the way, and we often may not see the purpose or understand the timing. But God is good. While we may falter along the way, He never changes. He loves us so much that He sent His one and only Son to take on all of the shame and punishment that we deserved so that He could bring us into His kingdom to belong. “He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By His wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.” (1 Peter 2:24-25).  You are loved unconditionally. You are led by the God who knows your heart fully and wants to give you life abundantly.