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REFLECTION

The theme for our reflection is the pattern. A pattern is the repeated or regular way in which something happens or is done. A pattern is also a reliable sample of traits, acts, tendencies, or other observable characteristics of a person, group, or institution. Psalm 23 demonstrate the pattern of God’s love as a shepherd who cares for His sheep. We shall proceed to examine the pattern of God’s love in our lives through His providence, protection and grace.

Firstly, David acknowledged the pattern of God’s providence through the provision of food (Green pasture) ,water (still waters) and spiritual nourishment (in the part of righteousness), therefore, David is able to say without any doubt that “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake..” (Psalm 23:1-3). I believe we can also testify to the above pattern of God’s providence in our lives, He feeds us daily, gives us water, and for those who feed on His Word daily, He provides Spiritual nourishment to live a life of righteousness.

Secondly, David demonstrated the pattern or the consistency of God’s protection in our lives as our Shepherd. In the most dangerous and lonely path of life where we are most vulnerable and prone to both physical and spiritual attacks which David refers to as “…valley of the shadow of death…” (Psalm 23:4), God protects and delivers us from harm. The Shepherd’s handheld tool for protecting the sheep is one element with two important parts, the base is a rod and the curvy top is the staff. The rod is used for striking or fighting wild animals that may want to attack the sheep and staff is used to gently hold the neck of the sheep to bring it in line if it is about to go wayward from the path the shepherd is leading it. Above all, we enjoy total peace even in the presence of our enemies because we are always under the anointing and protection of our Lord and the Shepherd of our lives. This is the kind of protection and assurance we recieve from God in our relationship with Him as our Shepherd, for this reason, David testified that “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will 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 anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.” (Psalm 23:4-5)

Last but not the least, David again demonstrated the consistency of God’s grace upon our lives when we remain under His guidance and in His sheepfold (the house of the Lord). The further we move away from Him through disobedience, we enjoy less of His goodness and mercy. This was the predicament of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32. Jesus assures us that when we remain under His guidance and sheepfold “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9). David confirmed the pattern of God’s grace upon his life and that of all those who will remain under His guidance and sheepfold when he unequivocally concluded that “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” (Psalm 23:6)

In summary, Psalm 23 proves God’s pattern of providence, protection and grace. These qualities form the pattern of God’s faithfulness that is available to all who have a Shepherd-sheep relationship with Him. May the Holy Spirit enable us to remain humble and obedient sheep in the sheepfold of the Lord. Shalom.

PRAYER

Almighty God, we acknowledge Your pattern of consistency in our lives, grant us the spirit of obedience to continually remain beneficiaries of your providence, protection and grace. Amen.