Psalm 23:1-3

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.

Great Leaders

Have you ever known any great leaders? Have you read any books by great leaders? What makes you want to follow the leader? Where are they leading you? Sometimes we’re disappointed by earthly leaders. We follow them hoping they know a better way. We want our political leaders to help our State, Country and World run better. For things to go more smoothly. We want them to make our lives easier, more exciting and more profitable. Then we find out they want those things for themselves, and when push comes to shove, they often choose themselves over the common good.

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing

God has given us everything we need. He’s given us life, and more importantly eternal life. We lack nothing that is of true value. He supplies what we need. Like the sparrows, he knows our every need and supplies it. He knows each hair on our head. He cares about and for us, so we can be confident that through Him we lack nothing.

He makes me lie down in green pastures

What kind of God makes us to lie down in green pastures. Have you ever lied down in green pastures? Imagine yourself, in a park near a lake. The grass is green and soft. You lie down, close your eyes and take in some deep breaths. That’s what the Lord does for you. He makes you lie down in green pastures. What an amazing God that He wants that for us. He’s not concerned about our position in the world or becoming successful. He’s concerned about your well-being, the well-being of your soul. If you have ever laid on the grass with your eyes closed, it’s likely you know the peace it can bring. If you haven’t, you may want to give it a try!

He leads me beside quiet waters

So while you’re lying there on your back in the grass, you begin to hear the water on the lake lapping up on shore. The calm sound of the waves brings you peace. It brings a rhythm to your breathing and to your heart. God is so good. He knows the power of relaxing and being refreshed. Not just from laying on the grass near quiet water, but truly from resting in Him. Knowing Him and trusting Him with all the things that are going on in your life so that in the midst of turmoil you can find that same peace you might have felt near the lake. A peace that surpasses all understanding.

He refreshes my soul

Does your soul need refreshing? God refreshes our souls. He provides the peace that is necessary for our body mind and soul to be refreshed so that we might go on doing His will in this world. He as our leader doesn’t just tell us where to go, He actually changes our soul. Like a cold glass of water on a hot summer day, the Lord, through His word, Promises and Salvation provide us with a refreshment that no water could ever provide.

He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake

God’s word will not mislead you. You will not be sold one bill of goods and be given another. His promises are true and can be counted on. He is not some up and coming politician who will soon disappoint. He is forever, trustworthy and true. He is a leader we can follow, and He will not lead me down any wrong paths. He will keep my way true.

Is your soul refreshed?