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THE PSALMS BOOK
WHEN MY CUP OF JOY RUNS ON LOW TO EMPTY
by Jack Albright Printable PDF
Psalms 23:5c”My cup runs over with joy.”
The overflowing cup was a powerful symbol when David wrote this psalm. The hosts in the Ancient East used to send a message to guests through their glass that was kept filled, or allowed to become empty.
As long as the cup was kept full, the guest knew he was welcome. But when the cup was empty, the host was hinting that the hour was late.
On the occasions, however, when the host really enjoyed the company of a person, he filled the cup to overflowing. He didn’t stop when the wine reached the rim; he kept pouring until the liquid ran over the edge of the cup and down onto the table. David was overwhelmed that Yahweh wanted him to stay at the table because the table before him was wet from the overflow.
A reader posed a question that deserves consideration. If the brimming cup represents God’s overwhelming acceptance and love, what does it mean if our cup is running low to empty?
Are you and I in any way responsible for the fullness or the emptiness of our cup? Does our feeling of emptiness indicate that God wants us to leave his presence? Is God tired of us? I don’t think so.
Even the most positive Christians experience times when we are not overflowing with the effervescence of God’s presence. When our spiritual gauge of joy shows a low to empty reading, it is time for a spiritual inventory. Could the rain on our parade indicate that we are in the wrong parade?
The 23rd Psalm deals with all the highs and lows of human experience. We have followed the winding pathway where the shepherd has led his flock. They have experienced green pastures and quiet waters. They have passed through rugged valleys where there were constant threats of wild animals and frightening shadows. These experiences were so overwhelming and unsettling that they were likened to a valley filled with death. Through all the challenges of the journey they have the comforting presence of the Master Shepherd who never fails to provide for them.
Like sheep, we must accept personal responsibility for much of our lack of contentment and joy. A humorous story comes from the church setting. A woman who tried vainly to give the impression of piety and spiritual strength was at the altar praying aloud, “God, fill me with
the Holy Spirit. Fill me to overflowing with your power and might.
Fill my cup with the Spirit.” From somewhere in the congregation came an unidentified voice, “Don’t do it Lord, she leaks.”
Sincere Christians want to be filled with the Holy Spirit and know the constant presence of God. The reality is that many times we cause our own unhappiness and lack of joy. Our cup of joy, peace, contentment and assurance of God’s closeness may seem to be near- empty, not because God doesnt want our presence at His table, but because we decline invitations to attend the announced banquets.
When David prayed in Psalms 51, “Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation,” he was repenting of grievous sins that had broken his close fellowship with God. God had not forsaken or cast David aside, but David felt an emptiness and lostness because he had disobeyed God’s moral law. When he confessed his sinfulness he felt the restoration and nearness of God’s presence.
The shepherd gives his life for the sheep and never deserts them.
It is always the sheep that goes astray and it is always the shepherd who faithfully restores them to his fellowship.
Mercy Grace Love: Our Lifetime Traveling Companions
by Jack Albright Printable PDF
As the psalmist approaches the finale of his masterful poem, he declares: “Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” (Psalms 23:6)
This verse is one of the most revealing and exciting in the Bible for it describes how God loves us and will never abandon us regardless of how wayward we may become.
The words follow and mercy demand explanation to make them more meaningful. Follow should be translated to pursue, to track down, to chase, to follow someone or something until they are found and taken control of.
The word mercy is a translation of the Hebrew word hesed, more commonly translated as “loving-kindness.” It is best thought of as unconditional or unearned love. Christians call this grace, which is the special word we use to encapsulate the quality of divine love, love that is entirely unmerited, undeserved and that knows no limit.
In contrast to this, Francis Thompson, in his poem “The Hound of Heaven,” says, “human love needs human meriting.” God’s love has nothing to do with meriting. Nothing we can do or say will make God love us any more or any less. We can do nothing that will surprise God, or make him tired or weary of loving us.
David Tomlinson says: When we have a bad day, God still loves us. When we choose a wrong turn, God still loves us. When we cannot muster the faith to believe he exists, God still loves us. When we live selfishly, when we behave like a spoiled child, when we make a complete twit of ourselves—God still loves us. The hound of heaven pounds on after us. In a nutshell the twenty-third psalm has one uncomplicated message: God loves us just because we are.
Jesus told the story of the lost sheep and how the shepherd relentlessly hunted until he found it. He followed with the story of a woman who lost a coin who also searched until she found it. The prodigal son was not literally pursued by his father, but he was hounded by the awareness that his father’s goodness, love and grace were begging him to come home.
Every man, woman and child needs to understand that they are loved for no other reason than they are. Some readers may call this cheap grace. However, God’s grace is not cheap. It cannot be bought with any amount of money, or earned by good deeds. Grace cannot be bought because it is free. Jesus died for our wrongness and sinfulness and we must accept his love and forgiveness as a free gift.
However God will continually say to us, “If you keep traveling down the wrong road you are going to get badly hurt. But be assured that I will be right with you, I will pursue you, and I will always love you even if you never return my love.”
That is the grace that John Newton describes in his song “Amazing Grace”: “Amazing grace! How sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now I’m found, was blind, but now I see.”
When Johnny Cash was asked which verse of Amazing Grace was his favorite, he immediately quoted the third verse, “Through many dangers, toils, and snares, I have already come. ’Twas grace hath brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.”
God’s grace and love travels with us down a thousand roads and is manifested in countless ways. Thank you, God, that your love has companioned us all the days of our life and will lead us all the way to heaven.
AMAZING GRACE byJohn Newton 1779
Amazing grace! How sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now am found; was blind but now I see. ‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved; How precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed. Through many dangers, toils, and snares, I have already come; ‘Twas grace hath brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home. The lord has promised good to me, his word my hope secures; He will my shield and portion be, as long at time endures. Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail, and mortal life shall cease, I shall possess, within the veil, a life of joy and peace. When we’ve been there ten thousand years, bright shining as the sun, We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise than when we’d first begun.
MY CUP OVERFLOWS WITH GRATITUDE AND PRAISE by Jack Albright Printable PDF
Psalms 23: You anoint my head with oil, my cup runs over.
I enjoy using all my senses of sight, sound, hearing and taste as I follow David’s journey with Yahweh, the Great Shepherd, as recorded in the 23rd Psalm. I try to feel the cushion of lush green grass beneath my feet and smell the greenness of the pastures. I try to feel and taste the sweet refreshing waters, and enjoy periods of rest and refreshment. I dread the frightening passages through dark places where hidden dangers lurk among the shadows, but I am aware of the protective presence of the Lord at all times.
Some scholars think this psalm is an exquisite composite of a one- year cycle as the shepherd leads his sheep from the comforts of the home place in the valley, through desert country and frightening valleys to the high country in summer. In the fall they return to the home place where they spend the winter in the security of barns and plenty of food.
The feast described here may be a banquet to celebrate a successful
season. It is based on the ancient Near Eastern idea of hospitality.
Yahweh lays a fabulous table as his guests look on. Any enemies, whether inward struggles or outward persecutors, are totally unable to harm them or even to mar the joy of the meal because of the dominant presence of such a host. The intention is to magnify God’s power and full hospitality rather than any gloating at the frustration of enemies.
As a symbol of acceptance, love and special recognition, the host then singles out the honored guest and pours or drips scented oil upon his head. Often the host would place his hand on the guest’s head and spread the oil over the hair as a further symbol of personal blessing.
There are many instances in Scripture where a prophet would anoint a person to indicate that God had chosen that person, and set him apart for special service for God. The New Testament speaks of laying on of hands as a symbol of blessing and setting a person apart for special service.
The poet’s joy at this point is boundless for he has been chosen as the special guest! He is nearly overcome by it and can only say, “my cup is running over with abundance.” God’s bounty is more that he can take in; it is literally too much for him. God is indeed an extravagant host. The poetic composer found himself luxuriating in the presence of Yahweh.
The overflowing cup was a powerful symbol in the days of David. The hosts in the ancient East used to send a message to guests through their glass that was kept filled, or allowed to become empty. As long as the cup was kept full, the guest knew he was welcome. But when the cup was empty, the host was hinting that the hour was late. On the occasions, however, when the host really enjoyed the company of a person, he filled the cup to overflowing. He didn’t stop when the wine reached the rim; he kept pouring until the liquid ran over the edge of the cup and down onto the table. David was overwhelmed that Yahweh wanted him to stay at the table because the table before was wet from the overflow.
We are God’s guests of honor.. He has provided abundant blessings and we need to look at how wet our table is. Behold how great Christ’s’ love for us is since he died in our place. Through him we become the sons and daughters of God. As children, we belong in God’s house and are entitled to the privilege of eating at God’s table. Each time we participate in the Lord’s Super or Communion we experience the overwhelming evidence that God wants us at his table. We can sing with the psalmist, “My cup run over with joy.”
Spiritual Anointing Prevents Flies, Scab and
Head Butting by Jack Albright printable PDF
You anoint my head with oil. Psalms 23: 5b
Surprise! Sheep ranchers and pastors have more in common then the average person imagines. Shepherds treat sheep for nasal flies, scab and head butting. Pastors try to prevent church members from becoming infected and disabled with the spiritual equivalent of flies, scab and head butting.
Nasal flies swarm at certain times of the year and buzz around the sheep’s head, attempting to deposit their eggs on the damp mucous membranes of the sheep’s nose. If they are successful, the eggs will hatch in a few days to form small, slender, worm-like larvae. They work their way up the nasal passage into the sheep’s head; they burrow into the flesh and there set up an intense irritation accompanied by severe inflammation.
To gain relief from this agonizing annoyance sheep will deliberately beat their heads against trees, rocks, posts or bushes.
Some sheep have actually killed themselves for relief. Shepherds applied a mixture of linseed oil, sulfur and tar to the sheep’s nose and head at the first sighting of flies.
Scab is an irritating and highly contagious disease common among sheep around the world. Scab, caused by a minute microscopic parasite that proliferates in warm weather, spread throughout a flock by direct contact between infected and non-infected animals. Sheep often rub their head’s together in an affectionate and friendly manner, thus spreading the disease. Palestinian shepherds used olive oil, sulfur and spices to prevent and treat infection.
Head butting is another interesting ritual among sheep. Autumn is the season of rut, or mating, and great battles between the rams for possession of the ewes take place. It isn’t unusual for several rams to become badly bruised, injured, or killed. To lessen the damage one modern shepherd rubbed large quantities of axel grease on their horns and noses. When they fought they would more easily glance off of each other. In that way much of their heat and tension would dissipate with less damage being done.
During my thirty-year ministry as pastor of churches I have seen a shocking similarity between sheep and church members. Without warning, a church member may act as if they had been attacked by a swarm of nose flies. They began shaking their heads in opposition to many of the things the church was trying to accomplish. They gave a new interpretation to “flies in the ointment” of human compassion, love and mercy. It is often the small, petty gnat-like annoyances that become burning issues that can ruin relationships, and even our spiritual witness. Some of the first symptoms of spiritual parasites among church members are agitation, bitterness, complaining, faultfinding, gossiping, criticizing, and an unwillingness to reconcile differences. Our behavior as a child of God, unless controlled, can degenerate to a most disgraceful sort of frustrated tirade.
I found that much of the grief, wounds, hurts, ill will, and lack of forgiveness in people’s lives could usually be traced back to old rivalries, jealousies and battles that had broken out between fellow Christians. Head butting between power brokers has left behind many seriously wounded persons. Only God knows how many wounded souls never enter a church simply because they butted heads over a frivolous issue.
In Luke 11: 13 Christ urges us to ask the Father to anoint us daily with the Holy Spirit. Only the anointing of the Holy Spirit can cleanse us from the spiritual parasites that would rob us of joy, contentment, love, patience, gentleness and peace.
Morning and evening spiritual anointing will prevent spiritual flies, scab and head butting.
THE TABLE THE LORD PREPARES FOR US
by Jack Albright printable PDF
“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.” Psalms 23: 3
When David wrote this psalm he was a real King and had real enemies. The banquet he describes was appropriate for his needs. However, I’m not a king and have no enemies over which I want to gloat, so how can I apply this to my needs?
The enemies that most of us face are more spiritual and personal. We find ourselves failing to live up to the high standards we have set for ourselves. We, like Simon Peter, may boast, “Although others show weakness and forsake you, I won’t. I will die before I deny my loyalty to you.” Then we hear the rooster crow. The horrible weight of failure crushes our spirit and we slink into the dark corner to join other failures.
We are often our own worst enemy. We proudly boast that we will never do “certain things,” only to discover that we did “those things.” We promise never to repeat the mistake—only to discover that we have done it. Again. And even again!
How did Jesus treat Simon Peter after he denied three times that he even knew him? (Read the entire story of love, forgiveness and restoration in John 21.) Jesus prepared breakfast and invited him to eat. This “Table of the Lord” represented forgiveness, acceptance, peace and unity. Then he spoke words of restitution, forgiveness and complete restoration as a servant of Christ.
All the disciples had deserted Jesus and he brought all of them to the table of restitution. There they learned that followers who fail would be forgiven and restored, and that they in turn must forgive each other.
At the Last Supper the disciples were shocked when Jesus wrapped a towel around his waist and washed their feet. They only partially understood what he meant as he broke bread and passed the cup saying, “This bread represents my body that is broken for you, and this cup represents my blood that is shed for you.”
Today Christian churches observe the Lord’s Supper or Holy Communion. At this table Christians are to renew their fellowship with Jesus, as well as with other believers.
Jesus also prepares a table for us personally. He offers us an individual table of forgiveness of our sins; of restoration to our place of service; restoration of any hurt or damaged feelings with our Christian brothers and sisters; and the renewal of our intimate relationship with Christ.
Jesus prepares an individual table for those who are downcast, discouraged, crushed by guilt and a sense of failure; for those who grieve and mourn the loss of loved ones; for those who have relationship problems and may hold grudges, bitterness, and anger; for those who want to renew their love and commitment to the Lord; for those who are old looking forward to their home with God.
The Lord prepares a table for us in the presence of our inward and outward enemies. He restores our souls and fills our spiritual cups with joy, peace and assurance.
He invites us with these words: “Come to me all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Learn from me for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28,29
As we approach the Table of the Lord, laden with divine spiritual food, we prepare ourselves by remembering these words of Jesus: “This bread is my body broken for you. This cup is my blood that I shed for you. As often as you feast here, remember the price I paid to provide it for you.”
Trustworthy Traveling Companion Reduces Fear
by Jack Albright printable PDF
Psalms 23:4b.I will fear no evil, for YOU are with me.
Who is your traveling companion? The person who travels beside us on our life’s journey has a lot to do with our sense of security. I had the typical male attitude that as a man I had to provide security for my wife. Now that I am older, (and wiser), I realize that she gives me as much security as I give her. We automatically find ourselves holding hands when we find ourselves in an environment that makes us feel insecure.
The Psalmist declares his security because the Lord is his constant traveling companion. Notice how he begins and ends this Psalm. The Lord is my shepherd (verse 1)…I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. (Verse 6) The Lord is his shepherd at the present time and he is assured that he will dwell with his Lord eternally. The Lord sets the parameters of his life. He lives in the presence of the Lord continually. Thus surrounded by the protective arms of the Almighty, he has no fear. He is untouchable by any evil.
We betray our declaration of faith when we casually claim the Lord as our shepherd but doubt that he is capable of protecting us from the perils of life. Constant fellowship with the Great Shepherd brings assurance and faith.
We rob ourselves of unknown blessings when we expect nothing more from God than we would from a human companion. Limiting God dishonors God. Doubting God leaves a vacancy in our hearts that is immediately filled with fear, doubt and weakness.
Faith drives out fear. Faith reaches out and expects God to provide peace and security when we face death or fearful times. Faith prevents the paralysis of fear. Fear paralyzes the mind, crushes creativity, causes mistrust in relationships, isolates, causes anxiety, damages health, limits possibilities, cripples imagination, prohibits adventure, creates panic, prevents decision making and basically puts life on hold. Faith brings Glory to God.
Jesus speaks of fear being the negative side of faith. Fear and doubt caused Simon Peter to stop walking on the water. (Matt. 14:30). Fear caused Peter, James and John to shorten their vision of the glorified Jesus visiting with Moses and Elijah on the mountain (Matt.17: 6). Fear brought a sharp rebuke from Jesus when they roused him from sleep when their boat was caught in a storm (Mk 4:38-41). Faith strengthened a woman, who had a hemorrhage, to rise above her fear and touch the hem of Jesus’ garment. She was healed and Jesus blessed her for her faith (Mark 5:25-34).
I will fear no evil! Not even the ultimate challenge of death! The Lord was with us in our conception and birth and walks with us every step we take. He has cut a path through the jungle of sin, death and the grave. He triumphantly calls, “I am the way, the truth and the life”…follow me to ultimate victory.
When Gene, my brother, had a near-death-experience, he had a revelation of what his life work was to become. He dedicated himself to the metaphysical and Para psychological study of how the human brain and body functions and created classes to teach people how to live more productive and fulfilling lives.
We often fear what we don’t understand. Learning that death is no more evil than birth, and is simply the closing chapter of human life, removes much of our fear.
God is the Lord of our birth; the Lord of our daily walk; and the Lord of our death. Death completes and complements our biography.
The Shepherd’s Staff - Source of Comfort
By Jack Albright © printable PDF
Your rod and staff comfort me.” Psalms 23:4
It is significant to note that, “Your rod and staff comfort me,” immediately follows, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death.”
Have you ever lived under the threat or possibility of death? Every man, woman and child in Baghdad, Iraq lives under the shadow of violent death. They know that a bomb or bullet could kill them at school, home or shopping. They have no safe place to hide. How would God comfort you in that situation? How does God comfort those who discover that they have a disease in their body that may be incurable; or that a loved one has been killed or maimed in an accident; or killed in an act of violence?
The Psalmist plainly says that the shepherd’s staff brings him comfort when he is under the fearful shadow of death.
Shepherds dress in different garbs, but the staff is the unique symbol that identifies no profession other than that of the shepherd.
The staff is a unique instrument used for the care and management of sheep—only sheep. It is a symbol of the concern and compassion that a shepherd has for his sheep. The rod conveys the concept of authority, power, discipline and defense of the sheep. The staff represents all that is longsuffering and kind.
A staff is a long, slender stick, often with a crook or hook on one end. The owner selects the stick with care and shapes, smoothes and cuts it to best suit his personal use.
W. Philip Keller notes three ways a shepherd manages his sheep with his staff. The staff is used in drawing sheep together into an intimate relationship. He will use his staff to gently lift a newborn lamb and bring it to its mother if they become separated. He does not use his hands for fear that the ewe will reject her offspring if it bears the odor of his hands upon it.
The staff is also used for guiding sheep through a new gate or along a dangerous, difficult route. He will use the slender stick to press gently against the animal’s side, and this pressure guides the sheep in the way the owner wants it to go. Thus the sheep is reassured of its proper path.
If a shepherd’s staff is six feet long, it means that his arm and hand are extended that far. The shepherd is able to use the staff almost as well as he uses his hand.
Keller says that he has seen a shepherd walk beside a pet or favorite sheep with his staff gently resting on its back. It appears that they are in touch or walking “hand in hand.”
These tender scenes may depict what the psalmist wants to convey to us. The Shepherd, the Lord, is a tender and loving person that has only our best interest at heart. Jesus says that a false or “hired-hand” shepherd does not care for the sheep and may abuse them and desert them in time of danger. Jesus says that he is the “Good” shepherd that knows his sheep by name and that the sheep know the shepherd’s voice and will gladly and safely follow him.
“All the way my Savior leads me, cheers each winding path I tread. Gives me grace for every trial, feeds me with the living bread. Tho’ my weary steps may falter, and my soul athirst may be. Gushing from the rock before me, lo! a spring of joy I see. Gushing from the rock before me, lo! a spring of joy I see.” (Crosby-Lowry)
THE SHEPHERD’S ROD COMFORTS, CORRECTS, INSTRUCTS, PROTECTS.
By Jack Albright © printable PDF
Psalms 23:4c “Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
We would not feel comfortable if a man carrying a long-handled-club stalked us everywhere we went.
However, from a sheep’s perspective, seeing two simple wooden instruments, a rod and a staff, in the hands of a skilled shepherd could often mean the difference between life and death. The following description and usage of the rod will clarify why it was a source of comfort for the sheep.
When a shepherd’s son was old enough to help care for the sheep, the boy would go into the woods, select a sapling, and dig it from the ground. This was carved and whittled down slowly and accurately. The enlarged base where the trunk joined the root was shaped into a smooth rounded head of hard wood.
The sapling was shaped to fit the owner’s hand perfectly. Then he spent hours and days of practice throwing the rod with accuracy and speed. Once the shepherd mastered the skills of using the rod, it became his most powerful weapon of defense for himself and the sheep. A shepherd was never without his rod and staff and the sheep quickly learned that they represented his power, authority, and defense. They also served as extensions of his arm and hand.
When God called Moses to go to the Pharaoh of Egypt and demand that he free God’s people, “The rod of God,” became the proof of God’s power invested in Moses. (Exodus 7:9,17) The rod represented God’s word and authority that came through Moses.
For us today, God’s word, the Bible, the Sword of the Spirit, is our “Rod of the Lord.” God’s authority, power, discipline, guidance, defense and comfort is based on the Bible.
The shepherd also used the rod to discipline unruly sheep. W. Philip Keller says, “If the shepherd saw a sheep wandering away on its own, or approaching poisonous weeds, or getting too close to danger of one sort or another, the club would go whistling through the air to send the wayward animal scurrying back to the bunch.”
The rod was also used to count and examine sheep, (Exodus 20:37). From time to time the shepherd would stand at the gate and stop each sheep as it left the pen. Each sheep was identified and counted. He used the rod to part their wool to intimately examine their skin, the cleanliness of the fleece and the condition of their whole body. Special attention would be given to the sheep that had “gone astray” to be certain it had not been wounded or diseased. Medical attention was given when needed. The sheep could not “pull the wool over the shepherd’s eyes.”
We need not try to pull the wool over God’s eyes when we have strayed away from God’s flock and refuse to come when the shepherd calls us together as members of his family. God wants to examine our soul for wounds and apply the healing balm of cleansing and forgiveness.
Perhaps the most comforting aspect of the shepherd’s rod was that it was an instrument of protection for himself and his sheep when they were in danger. He could drive off predators like wolves, coyotes and stray dogs. He would often beat the bushes to scare off snakes or other creatures that could frighten or harm the sheep.
Christians live in such a spiritually contaminated jungle that we should seek and welcome the constant guidance, healing and protection of our Great Shepherd.
God comforts when he declares his ownership; provides our physical and spiritual needs; personally directs our journey and protects us from harm.
Deep Mountain Valleys, Frightening Shadows And Our Ever-Present Shepherd.
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me….” Psalms 23:4a
I have dealt with death, dying, funerals and grief counseling for over fifty years. Yet, I readily admit that there are many questions for which I have no answers. For instance, what is it like to die?
In order to bring fresh insight to the subject of death and dying, I have invited my brother, Eugene Albright, to share insights he gained from his Near-Death-Experience (NDE) that revolutionized his life. He gained a totally new concept of life and death. He explored his own life mentally, physically and spiritually and developed classes that have helped hundreds of people to gain health and live life more fully.
He has used his NDE to teach many terminally ill people to make the transition through the dying process in a peaceful and dignified manner.
I asked Gene to briefly share his NDE. I also asked what, if anything, those whom he has assisted in their dying moments saw, felt or experienced as they died. Gene’s response follows:
“I must be most careful in my answer. For the most part, in my experience, people were met by someone they loved, if there was such a person in their life. In any case, there is a point in death in which the body is flooded with natural morphine-like substances and the pain is gone in them…they seem to be getting better. They become peaceful as with any drug. I think death is part of life and life has made it something not to be afraid of. Taught beliefs seem to be what creates the fear and makes dying so painful for some people.
“I have found that those who talk the loudest about NDE experiences have no personal experience with the process, and cannot speak with authority. I found that the most important thing is that of living. I did not want to die. I wanted to live. I saw that this life is the “place” and the “how” to fully develop the human part of each of us.
“ I was in the death state at first, but did not know that it was a death state. I moved to a different state, (of mind?) with full awareness of my identity and consciousness. It is much like dreaming a very vivid and realistic dream.
“The thing about dying is the fact that you and I will be leaving everyone we love. Sometimes that is sad. But we all must do that sometime.
“The ones I have helped to die, by going across with them, have had no fear. They understood what was happening and let it happen naturally and peacefully. By my having gone there myself, I can help someone else when it is time.
“So it is not natural to “FEAR” dying, but the programs we have been taught create this fear. However, not wanting to die is natural. That is different than fearing it.”
I agree with Gene that death is a natural part of the life cycle and is not to be feared. Perhaps this will encourage all of us to use our living-time to prepare for our dying-time.
The Psalmist says he will fear no evil, which includes death.
I hope that those who fear death will seek to make peace within themselves. Examining, and facing, the things we fear, often takes the fear away.
Bringing our fears to the Good Shepherd while we are living will bring peace now, and more peace when we die.
All The Way My Savior Leads Me
All the way my savior leads me, Oh, the fullness of his love!
Perfect rest to me is promised in my Father’s house above.
When my spirit, clothed immortal, wings its flight to realms of day,
This my song thro’ endless ages: Jesus led me all the way.
God Gives Us Strength to Survive in Our Jungle (3-11-08) printable PDF
Psalms 23:3 “He restores my soul”
Do you relate to the following words?
“When we feel lost, when we lose the sense of who we are and where we fit, when we feel isolated or lonely or bereaved: our life energy diminishes and our soul shrinks. When we become bogged down with worry and anxiety, when we feel inadequate and vulnerable: our creativity dries up, our imagination is stifled, and our soul fades. When the grime of an over-competitive, self-seeking culture clings to our consciousness, when we get trapped on the treadmill of mediocrity, when we mistake the trivial and inconsequential for the truly essential, when we are so engulfed in the here and now that we lose sight of the beyond: then our sense of wonder is lost, our soul shrivels.” (Still Waters and Skyscrapers, by Dave Tomlinson p.52)
If the above words describe your condition—you need to let the Lord restore your soul.
The word “restore” can be applied in one or more of the following ways: To return something to its proper owner or place; to bring something back to an earlier and better condition; to give somebody new strength or vigor; to return somebody to a previously held rank, office, or position.
Max Lucado, in his book, Traveling Light, says, “For many people, life is—well life is a jungle. Not a jungle of trees and beasts…. Our jungles are comprised of the thicker thickets of failing health, broken hearts, and empty wallets. Our forests are framed with hospital walls and divorce courts. We don’t hear the screeching of birds or the roaring of lions, but we do hear the complaints of neighbors, and the demands of bosses. Our predators are our creditors, and the brush that surrounds us is the rush that exhausts us.”
The prayer requests at a men’s breakfast indicate our “jungle environment.” One man’s wife was taking chemotherapy for breast cancer. Another shared that two grandchildren were in a car wreck. A funeral was announced. A man was recovering from cancer surgery. All these concerns describe typical jungle living. These men were fortifying themselves to survive the consequences of living in the jungle.
Our hope can be restored when we remember that Jesus is personally in the jungle with us. We are still in our confusing, frightening and dangerous jungle. The difference is that we know that Jesus fought his way through this jungle and can triumphantly proclaim: “I am the way. I have cut a path through the underbrush of sin and death—and I escaped alive.” He is the only one who ever did. And he is the only one who can help you and me do the same.
He restores our hope by giving us himself. He has promised to stay with us, in our jungle, until the very end. “I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matt. 28:20 NIV)
Thomas Dorsey’s song, Precious Lord Take My Hand, voices our daily prayer to be restored.
Precious Lord, take my hand. Lead me on, let me stand.
I am tired, I am weak, I am worn. Through the storm, through the night, lead me on to the light. Take my hand, precious Lord, lead me on.
“When the way grows drear, precious Lord linger near. When my life is almost gone. Hear my cry, hear my call, hold my hand lest I fall. Take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home.
“When the darkness appears and the night draws near, and the day is past and gone, at the river I stand, guide my feet, hold my hand. Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home
The Good Shepherd For Downcast Sheep (3-4-08) printable PDF
Psalms 23:3 “He restores my soul.”
As I started this article I got an email from a dear friend telling me that her mother had died only a few hours before. She is possibly experiencing many strong feelings. She may feel temporarily downcast, saddened, exhausted, immobilized, disheartened, powerless, and generally miserable. She has a positive attitude but these feelings can momentarily depress a strong person.
This is what the psalmist meant when he said “The Lord restores my soul.” When in the midst of life’s ordinariness we face situations that drain our energy, we may feel overwhelmed, helpless and lost. Our soul needs to be recharged with energy.
Our soul describes the essence of who we are. It is the essential energy at the core of our being; it is our life energy. It is not a disembodied part of us but is the sum total of who we are as a person. “He restores my soul” literally means, “He renews my life.”
God renews us when we are physically, emotionally and spiritually out of energy. We become stalled like an excellent car that is simply out of gas or the battery is down.
Every normal human being, including Christians, get slammed when we feel that we don’t fit; we feel isolated and lonely; we get bogged down with worry or anxiety; we feel inadequate and vulnerable. When this happens our creativity dries up, our imagination is stifled, and our soul fades.
Even David, the writer of this psalm had times when he was downcast. Psalms 42:11 reveals this when he asks: “Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God…”
The term “cast” is a very informative shepherd’s term. It is the term used for a sheep that has gotten itself turned on its back and cannot get on its feet by itself. A cast sheep is helpless and pathetic. Lying on its back, its feet in the air, it flays away frantically struggling to stand up, without success. Unless the shepherd arrives quickly to lift the animal upright, the animal will die and become easy pray for predators.
The sheep most likely to become cast have long fleece, are heavy and round with fat. They will lie down in a low place or hollow spot. When they stretch out, their weight may cause them to roll over onto their back and they can’t get on their feet. They become cast.
Shepherds continually count their sheep to prevent one from becoming cast. When the shepherd finds a sheep that is down, he will immediately leave the flock to rescue the cast sheep.
There is a false belief that if a Christian strays off and becomes downcast, that God will put them on a shelf of uselessness, ignore them, or throw them out and forsake them.
The hymn, “The Ninety and Nine,” by Ira Sankey and Elizabeth Clephane, truly portrays the Good Shepherd.
“There were ninety and nine that safely lay in the shelter of the fold. But one was out on the hills away, far off from the gates of gold. Away on the mountains wild and bare, away from the tender Shepherd’s care. Away from the tender Shepherd’s care.
“But all thro’ the mountains, thunder riven, and up from the rocky steep, there arose a glad cry to the gates of heaven, “Rejoice! I have found my sheep!” And the angels echoed around the throne, “Rejoice for the Lord brings back His own! Rejoice, for the Lord brings back his own!”
If you are downcast, look up! The Lord is looking for you.
Chapter 5 THE GOD OF TURNPIKES AND SHEEP TRAILS printable PDF
Consider the Good Shepherd being described in Psalms 23:3 “He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” David, the writer of this psalm, is keenly aware that God’s protective hand guided him along the winding sheep trails as a shepherd boy. God guided him when he fought Goliath with a slingshot. God’s love protected him from King Saul who through jealousy tried to kill him. He secreted him in caves when enemies sought him. God applauded when he was crowned king. God still loved him in spite of his shameful affair with Bathsheba and his ordering the death of her husband. God loved him and continued to guide him and enfold him in steadfast love in spite of all his human weakness and failures, as well as his victories.
As I see the grace and mercy God poured on David to protect him from disaster, I almost break out in cold sweats thinking of the many times God has wrapped loving arms around me and protected me from situations where my poor choices could have easily ruined my witness for God. I can join David in reviewing my journey and seeing God’s guidance, keeping me in the proper path that I may bring some glory to God. I have been kept on the proper path, not because I deserve it, but that God wanted to bring himself glory by protecting me from the dangers I had placed myself in.
We are all on a journey. With every journey we come to junctions, and with each junction we must make a decision, a choice. To avoid a choice is to make a choice. Our challenge is how to make the correct choice. If we choose the wrong road, will God still be with us or will he desert us because we have made a human error in judgment?
Many of us were taught that God has a “divine blueprint” for our lives mapped out to the last detail. We who were driven by this concept became neurotic from questions like: “What if I get it wrong? Is this the right path to follow? How do I know what God wants? If I make a mistake, will I slither out of God’s grace and his pleasure?” Obsessing on these thoughts could lead to chronic anxiety, fear and loss of self-esteem. This could make a person feel like a failure and a second class Christian because he or she did not attain God’s perfect best.
Dave Tomlinson in his book, Still Waters and Skyscrapers, comments, “The doctrine of ‘God’s second best’ is in fact a travesty, an affront to the one who says, ‘Behold I make all things new.’ The shepherd-God is the lover of our souls, not some petty religious functionary, who scrutinizes people’s lives to see when they put a foot wrong.”
So, if we are cruising on a smooth turnpike, or struggling on an uphill sheep trail, we can rest our souls that our loving God is traveling with us and loving us every step. He may not approve of our path, but he stays with us and helps us out of the thorn trees and back into his better way.
God owns and travels all the roads, trails, hills and valleys. He protects us from our poor decisions and even our stupidity. When our poor choices lead us to a pig pen, like the prodigal son, we will discover that God is there loving us while we decide to select a path to a better place.
Truly we can say, “He guides me in the path of righteousness for his name’s sake.”
Chapter 4 The Cure For Spiritual Dehydration (2-19-08) Printable PDF
Psalms 23:2b “You find me quiet pools to drink from.” (TM)
These words are searching for a home in the hearts of readers who have an unquenchable spiritual thirst. They may utter a plaintiff cry like that of the Ancient Mariner as he floated on an ocean of undrinkable water, “Water, water, everywhere, but not a drop to drink.”
The words of a song describe this longing: “You have longed for sweet peace, and the faith to increase, and have earnest, fervently prayed. But you cannot find rest and be perfectly blessed, ‘til your all on the alter is laid.”
Jesus speaks of this kind of spiritual longing in Matthew 5:6, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” (satisfied)
Without a continuous supply of water, the body will begin to desiccate and this dehydration of the tissues can result in serious damage. Thirst is one of the first indicators that the body needs to replenish itself with water. Spiritual “soul thirst” is similar.
When sheep get thirsty they become restless and set out in search for water. If they do not quickly find clean, pure water they will drink from polluted holes where they may pick up parasites and disease germs. It is essential that the shepherd supplies clean water for the health and well being of the sheep. It is easy to make the application of how humans and sheep resemble. Both need clean water to maintain health. Both depend on a source of water outside of themselves. Both get thirsty and when the thirst is not satisfied they begin to panic and seek water, and in dire circumstances will drink polluted water that makes them sick.
Jesus alone can quench spiritual thirst. “On the last and greatest day of the feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.” John 7:37,38.
Drinking spiritual water simply means to take in, to accept, to believe. The simple lesson is that those who will drink of the spiritual water that Christ offers, will assimilate the very life of God in Christ to the point where it becomes a part of him or herself. The Holy Spirit will “hydrate” the entire personality of a person and they will have a continual flow of inspiration to guide, strengthen and develop the fruit of the Spirit in their life.
Danger comes when men and women who are “thirsty” for God, are often unsure of where to look or really know for what they are searching. The problem comes when a person has an urge to know God, but turns from God to another source. Instead of letting the Good Shepherd guide them to green pastures and pure water, they may stray into barren land and a contaminated watering hole that leaves them disappointed, and they develop a sense of lostness and discontent.
Many stray away from the Good Shepherd and try to satisfy their thirst with self-help psychology, professional therapy, medication, or pseudo religious practices. After a while they discover that they have become spiritually dehydrated. These are not bad people. They just drink from the wrong spring!
Jeremiah, the prophet, accurately portrays the broken lives—shattered hopes—barren souls that are dried up, parched and full of the dust of despair. God says, “My people have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water.” Jeremiah 2:13. They are also described as clouds without water.
Saint Augustine of Africa summed it up well when he wrote, “O God! Thou hast made us for Thyself, and our souls are restless, searching, ‘til they find their rest in Thee.”
Fill My Cup, Lord by Richard Blanchard 1959
Like the woman at the well, I was seeking
For things that could not satisfy
And then I heard my Savior speaking:
“Draw from my well that never shall run dry.”
Chorus: Fill my cup Lord. I lift it up Lord.
Come and quench the thirsting of my soul.
Bread of heaven, feed me till I want no more.
Fill my cup. Fill it up. And make me whole.
There are millions in this world who are craving
The pleasure earthly things afford
But none can match the wondrous treasure
That I find in Jesus Christ my Lord.
So, my sister (brother) if the things this world gave you
Leave hungers that won’t pass away
My blessed Lord will come and save you
If you kneel to him and humbly pray
Chapter 3 - Green Pastures For Refreshing Sleep (2-13-08) Printable PDF
My Shepherd makes me lie down in green pastures beside still water. Psalms 23:2.
This pastoral scene invites most sheep, and elderly humans, to accept the invitation for a nap. However, many sheep, and humans, regardless of age, find it almost impossible to sleep.
Max Lucado writes in his book, Traveling Light, that insomnia is a major health problem for millions of people. In spite of memory foam mattresses, sculptured pillows, and relaxing music, some people cannot get a good night’s sleep. He says, “Since 70 million Americans aren’t sleeping enough, that means one-third of our country is dozing off at work, napping through class, or sleeping at the wheel of a vehicle. Thirty tons of aspirins, sleeping pills and tranquilizers are consumed every day! The energy gauge on the dashboard of our forehead says empty.”
Philip Keller tells us in, A Shepherd Looks At Psalms 23, that sheep have a similar problem. He lists four requirements that sheep must have in order for them to lie down and sleep. It is obvious that humans share these same symptoms.
“Owing to their timidity sheep refuse to lie down unless they are free of fear.
“Because of the social behavior within the flock, sheep will not lie down unless they are free from friction with others of their kind.
“If tormented by flies or parasites, sheep will not lie down. Only when free of these pests can they relax.
“Lastly, sheep will not lie down as long as they feel in need of finding food. They must be free from hunger.”
Among sheep, the flock that is restless, discontented, always agitated and disturbed never does well. It also applies to churches.
I was pastor of local churches for 30 years and notice a strong similarity between church members and sheep. I recall an interesting conversation with a church member who complained that our attendance was dropping off. It is significant that he had recently resigned as an unsuccessful pastor of a church that was about to close its doors. He began sharing his concerns with these words: “Pastor, since my wife and I joined this church several months ago, we have noticed that the attendance has steadily declined. I feel that God wants me to make you aware that there is a growing discontent with your ministry here in this congregation.”
It was later revealed that he and his wife had been backstabbing me, and that may have caused the drop in attendance. He is now in secular work.
Today pastors, priests and rabbis are God’s under-shepherds. They are highly responsible, but not totally responsible, for the well being of parishioners. Shepherds in Bible days were totally responsible for the care of their sheep. They often had to clear the land, plow it, plant the seed, and water it in order to provide green pastures. He provided everything they needed.
As a retired clinical chaplain I visit many churches in this area. I often see and hear agitation, tension, rivalry and bickering in various congregations. I am convinced that parishioners, who cannot find rest, have taken their eyes off of the Great Shepherd.
Keller says, “I came to realize that nothing so quieted, and reassured the sheep, as to see me in the field. The presence of the master, the owner, the protector put them at ease as nothing else could. And this applied night or day.”
There is no substitute for the knowledge that Christ, our Shepherd, is present among us. Christians, like sheep will rest better when we are free of fear, pests, friction, and hunger.
“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You.” Isa. 26:3
Chapter 2 - The Shepherd Provides All Our Essential Needs (2-5-08) Printable PDF
Psa. 23:1b Yahweh is my shepherd, I shall not want.
We live in an “I want” culture that is supported by some television and radio evangelists who preach a “prosperity gospel.” They claim that those who have enough faith, and send sizable contributions to their cause, will have a blissful life with no problems and plenty of material possessions. This is theological hogwash.
Many have been led astray by thinking that this is a promise that we will have anything and everything we need to provide ourselves with prosperity, prestige and pleasure. We may think that we are promised smooth paths to walk, with no uphill, thorny, painful or even deadly physical or financial problems. This kind of thinking is never promised in scripture. Jesus plainly said “In this world you will have tribulation; Take up your cross and follow me; the servant is not greater than his master.”
“I shall not want” is not a blank check to guarantee that we can have anything we want, but is a statement of assurance that whatever is needed to equip us to bring glory to our owner and manager will be supplied. Happy, contented, healthy and flourishing sheep are God’s best advertisement that those who follow him will be divinely cared for. God is our shepherd, manager and provider, and our primary task is to bring honor to him and not to our selves.
Regardless of the dangers and threats that we will face in life, we are confident that our Shepherd will walk beside us every step of the way and will supply the vital elements that are indispensable for us to attain our goal of bringing glory to him.
Max Lacado says, “What I have in God is greater than what I don’t have in life. What the Lord provides is satisfaction. I know that the essence and quality of my life is not made up of the stuff I have or don’t have.”
“Naked a man comes from his mother’s womb, and as he comes, so he departs. He takes nothing from his labor that he can carry in his hand. Eccles. 5:15. A man’s life does not consist of the things he possesses.
When John D. Rockefeller died someone asked his accountant, “How much did John D. leave?” The accountant replied simply, “He left all of it.”
Gordon McAda, my best friend, died at 33 from crippling arthritis. He suffered in agony for years until he became one of the first experimental patients to take Cortisone at Mayo Clinic. He went blind and every joint in his body solidified. For years he lay immobile on his bed and was fed pureed food through his slightly opened jaws.
During these years of solitude he became personally and intimately acquainted with God. God’s Divine presence totally satisfied him. He said to me, “I have not enjoyed my suffering and being deprived of the use of my body. Each time I lost a physical ability, I gained a spiritual blessing. When I lost physical sight, I gained a spiritual insight. With the loss of a bodily function, I gained a spiritual strength. But through the loss of my physical abilities I have found God. I have been able to live on earth in the presence of God and that is similar to being in heaven while existing on the earth. If I were given the choice of reliving my life with good health without knowing God, or suffering and knowing God—I would immediately choose to suffer and know God.”
Gordon would interpret this verse this way. “The Lord is my Shepherd. I want nothing more, and nothing less, than his presence and his provisions.”
G. A. Young’s song, God Leads Us Along, voices this truth beautifully:
Through shady green pastures so rich and so sweet, God leads his dear children along, where the water’s cold flow bathes the weary one’s feet, God leads his dear children along.
Some through the waters, some through the floods, some through the fire, but all through the blood. Some through great sorrows, but God gives a song. In the night seasons, and all the day long.
Chapter 1: YAHWEH-God’s Personal Name
Shepherd-God’s Famous Alias (1-29-08) Printable PDF
“The Lord is my Shepherd,” Psalms 23:1, These five words introduce one of the most beloved and famous poems of all ages. Its popularity, however, is based largely on sentimentality with little understanding of the spiritual teachings. Many use this psalm as a magical formula for giving comfort and assurance during serious illness or at funerals to console and comfort the grieving survivors. To some it is only a sentimental Band Aid used “in case of an emergency.” This superficial understanding leaves the reader as unsatisfied for spiritual nourishment as a person who tries to quench their thirst by looking at a photograph of a crystal clear pool of spring water.
W. Philip Keller, a successful shepherd who lived the year-round-life of a shepherd, wrote the classic book called, “A Shepherd Looks At Psalm 23.” He takes the reader step-by-step, hour-by-hour, on the 365-day cycle of a good shepherd.
Keller further enriches us by providing an accurate understanding of the words of the psalms. Most helpful is his ability to apply lessons to our present life. Sentimentality fades away when the reader becomes personally acquainted with the Good Shepherd.
David wanted the readers of his poem to get personally acquainted with the shepherd to whom he belonged. David explains why he totally and joyfully committed himself to be owned and managed by this Good Shepherd, To understand the full impact of who the shepherd is we must do a little word study.
My name is Jack, and identifies the essence of who I am. This explains my actions and positions in society. I am a preacher, writer, father, brother, and husband. I am what these words describe because of who I AM.
So, David shouts with excitement: “Just look who my Shepherd is. My shepherd is none other than Yahweh!” He could have used El Shaddai (God Almighty), El Elyon (God Most High), or El Olam (God the Everlasting), or other titles. But they are just descriptive titles. David designated God by his personal name. YAHWEY does not describe what God does. It identifies the essence of who God IS!
Yahweh first appeared to Moses in the burning bush and commanded him to go to the Pharaoh of Egypt and demand that he liberate God’s people. Moses asked God what his name was and God replied, “Tell Pharaoh ‘I AM’ sent you”. Exodus 3:13-15. God needs no descriptive words to explain who he is or what he does because he never changes. He is what he has always been and will never stop being that.
David exults in praise: “Yahweh, ‘I AM’, is my shepherd!” Then he uses the remaining 115 words of the psalm to tell how marvelously and abundantly the shepherd has provided everything he has needed.
David was the son of a shepherd, and was himself a career shepherd until God elevated him to become the Shepherd King of Israel. He knew that a good shepherd literally lives with, and among his sheep. He would sacrifice his life for them. He knows each one personally and intimately. He was there when they were birthed. He gave each a name. They knew his voice, his touch and his scent. The lamb was more dependent on the shepherd for water, food, care and protection than from their near-helpless mother. The shepherd became their most intimate life-long companion. David knew an excellent shepherd when he saw one and loudly and proudly proclaimed that he had become what he was and who he was, because the Lord, Yahweh, was his owner and manager.
You and I need a divine shepherd for we, like sheep, have gone astray and turned to our own way. We find ourselves cast into positions and circumstances where we need help getting back on our feet. We often find ourselves overwhelmed by feeling fear, doubts, guilt, anger, lonely, vulnerable, ill, helpless, hopeless and wounded and need God’s healing touch.
Yahweh, also known as the Good Shepherd, welcomes everyone to come under his shelter, guidance, security, healing, love and provisions that are described in this beautiful psalm.
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last updated 5-27-08