Psalm 23 For The Living

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Psalm 23:5

Even people who don’t know the Bible very well know Psalm 23 or so it seems. It is usually what funeral homes traditionally put on the little program handed out at memorial services and funerals. I am not sure how it became the ‘go to’ verse for the deceased because it has so much more to say to those still alive.

Get your Bible and read the entire short chapter. The verse I highlighted for today says to me that God watches over us and cares for us in the presence of those who would attack us, ridicule us, put us down, unfriend us, belittle us, make fun of our faith, and further states that we are anointed so blessed in other words. And the best part, our cup overflows. How good is that?

As you read it look at all the things God does for those of us still alive. Maybe it is used  for funerals because it seems comforting but the deceased does not need comfort as they are not here in physical form anymore. Don’t harden your heart friend. If you have not become familiar with the Bible get yourself a modern version of it and start reading and getting excited to walk with the Lord. Then some day when you breathe your last breath there can be a celebration of life and those who come to see your body laying in a casket can know you are with Jesus for eternity.

PRAYER: Part of life is death. It is not to be feared. I pray for those people who are far from you or who are wandering. I pray for atheists, Muslims, Buddhists, agnostics, and all those who have been deceived by the enemy into having no desire for you. Lift the blinders from their eyes and help them be set free to live a life for you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

That Funeral Verse About Living

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. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:1-4

This verse is often printed on little programs at funerals but in my humble opinion it has way more to do with living than dying. It is a chapter in Psalms that indeed brings great comfort and probably helps  mourners but hear me out on using it for living and being alive! 

Take time right now and get your Bible and read the entire chapter. It is not long. Sometimes it is the only thing in the Bible most people are familiar with other than John 3:16. We need to move way beyond both of those to knowing how to use the Bible to have on your armor for battle daily. The devil has done a great job making ‘church goers’ and some believers think they are fine without reading it but you are NOT.

God leads you, guides you, comforts you, takes away fear. He does that NOW while you are living on this Earth. Don’t short change yourself by missing out on all the wonderful words of life found in the Bible. Start in Psalms and Proverbs. Ask God to reveal truth in his word. The more you read it the more you become like Him in the way you think. Go beyond that ‘funeral verse’. 

PRAYER: I love your word, all of it. Even the begats are there for a purpose. Help me cast of a spirit of laziness or complacency when it comes to getting up and having a quiet time daily. I choose to resist the enemy by using and applying the truth in scripture. In Jesus’ name. Amen.