A Gift to be Opened... Unpacked. 23rd Psalm

Good Day.

podcast: https://www.pastorwoman.net/podcast/episode/25b522e7/a-gift-to-be-opened-and-unpacked-23rd-psalm

There is something about little animals that goes right to my soul. Pictured is an encounter I had in Bethlehem with yet another little lamb. As our group approached the path that led to a lookout above the Shepherd's fields--the place we believe the angels announced to a group of shepherds that a baby King had been born that night--a young boy walked toward me, holding Rosa. As I reached to pet her, he extended her to me, offering the chance to hold her. She snuggled, one of us cooed.

I could have stayed like that a long time, just holding her, awash in contentment.

Regularly, in these Morning Briefings, I wave the banner to remind us that contentment is possible in this life, and in this too, David is our teacher.

Consider Psalm 23 again. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.1 

David, the king, has chosen to be a sheep. Consider that for a moment--strange juxtaposition, is it not? Psalm 23, New Living Translation:

The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.

He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams.

He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths,

    bringing honor to his name.

Even when I walk through the darkest valley,

I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me.

Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.

You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies.

You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings.

Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me

    all the days of my life,

and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.

David knew a lot about the habits of sheep and how terribly needy they were because he had been a shepherd. He had kept his flock from falling into ravines, had led them to much-needed water, protected them from parasites and defended them from predators. David knew what it was to properly care for his father’s sheep--the commitment and sacrifice of being a good shepherd. [Did you know that sheep won't drink from moving water because it scares them? hmm, who knew?]

About a thousand years after David came the promised One, Jesus. One day as he was teaching, Jesus radically claimed “I am the good shepherd.”2 That Good Shepherd then laid down his life for his sheep, and I am one of them. 

When I follow the lead of this Good Shepherd,

I am not in want,

and I have within me the choice to be content.

David said, The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want

       Might it be said this way? Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I am content.

Contentment is always a choice. Consider the following statement:

“I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. 

I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.”3 

Paul wrote that from jail. I can never quote it without being challenged by it. 

Desperately, I want to be able to say the same thing. 

I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances . . . 

   Though I worry about some of what the future holds, 

 Though my son desperately needs healing,

   Though our country faces a deep divide . . .         

I have learned the secret to being content. Contentment is a choice and it is learned. So, let's learn!

Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I am content ~ yes, I have everything that I need. 

Note: though that is truth, I need to remind myself of it!

The Lord holds my fate in his capable hands, and he is trustworthy, so I have no need to worry or try to control things; control is an illusion anyway, man!

God knows the exact number of my days4--nothing is going to cut them short.

The Good Shepherd will both lead and guide me in the ways I should go, and in my decisions too because when I lack wisdom, I will ask and he will give it to me.5 

Any troubles we are facing now? Keep this in mind: the trials are nothing compared to the promised joy of Glory! Friends, let’s be present, count our blessings, thank God for each of his graces to us, and thank Him for another day of breath in our lungs. Funny thing, I have noticed that when I am intentional about being thankful, contentment is a natural byproduct. Yes, contentment is possible, but you gotta learn to grab ahold of it--trusting and thanking God. 

Contentment is a choice and it requires mindfulness. And Friend, mindfulness includes an attitude of gratefulness, of thanking God for his many good, good gifts--naming them specifically.

What do you say? And, who knows? Maybe you'll get to hold a little lamb today.

"How can you not?" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70JD5YTemJc&list=RD70JD5YTemJc&index=1

Christine

1 - Psalm 23.1

2 - John 10.14 

3 - Philippians 4.11b-12

4 - Psalm 139.16

5 - James 1.5

did you know that sheep smile??