What is it about the 23rd Psalm that gives it universal appeal? Somehow it lifts us from our circumstances to a place of escape. Most of us are accustomed to stepping outside to grab a coffee in the middle of a day of turmoil, or to taking in a gripping movie at the cinema when we have just a few too many worries. We escape … at least for a moment.
The truth is that escapism is a necessity in today’s world, and we want plenty of it. We just can’t keep up with the pace and demands of life. There is dissatisfaction everywhere. Day to day, my life and yours probably wouldn't be described as green pastures or quiet waters. Most of the time my house is anything but quiet, except for during the early morning hours. Our souls feel fatigued and dry, and fears overwhelm us. Often we are too busy trying to hold it all together to even think of having an overflowing cup. And then, those well-known words are heard and Christian and non-Christian alike are soothed.
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters.
He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows.
Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
What is the power behind these words? Isn’t it the promise of heaven touching our lives? We are swept away by the strong tides of worldly cares. We wonder how we can make it to tomorrow, let alone face it. And then this psalm come as a divine beam of light that awakens hope within us.
In the Father’s house, we want for nothing. There our hunger and thirst are sated at his plentiful table. We can escape to His house and have our souls restored. In fact, even if the shadow of death has fallen over our lives, we can retreat to His home, only to find that all fear is gone. In the heavenlies there is comfort in the worst of circumstances. There our cup overflows. There the welcome never ends.
I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
These words move us because we know they are true. They speak of a better place where you and I are welcome. The Father is waiting and watching for us to return. When will we grow weary with the tension, confusion and worry of the far country? When will we come home to find relief from a world in want?
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