Dear Friends,
This month of May, 2025, we are memorizing Psalm 23 together. I am sure you will find many encouragements in this Psalm written by David.
I would like to focus some thoughts on Psalm 23:3.
“He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.”
The paths mentioned in this verse are really ruts! So, David is calling us, as the Lord’s sheep, to develop healthy rhythms in our lives. We all should seek to live in righteous ruts.
In his book, “A Shepherd Looks at the Twenty-third Psalm,” Philip Keller lists several fresh attitudes we need to maintain as we follow our Good Shepherd. He writes, “These are the equivalent of progressive forward movements onto new ground with God. If one follows them, they will discover fresh pasturage; new, abundant life; and increased health, wholesomeness and holiness in their walk with God.”
- “Instead of loving myself most, I am willing to love Christ best and others more than myself.”
As a follower of our Shepherd, Jesus Christ, this a vital attitude to keep. Jesus modeled this as he walked on the earth. This propels us to self-sacrifice, not a sentimental emotion. As I express love for my shepherd, I serve others for their good! I will lay down my life and lay out for others. I choose to put others before myself. I willingly love others as Jesus loves me. As Keller says, “Once a person discovers the delight of doing something for others, they have started through the gate being led into one of God’s green pastures.”
1 John 3:16-18 NIV
[16] This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. [17] If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? [18] Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.
Today, how is God revealing the needs of others to you? Are you watching for ways to serve others? Ask Him to show you practical ways you can demonstrate this dynamic attitude.
Be encouraged,
Pastor Rick