Psalm 23
Antithesis
The clock is my dictator, I shall not rest.
It makes me lie down only when exhausted.
It leads me into deep depression.
It hounds my soul.
It leads me in circles of frenzy, for activities sake.
Even though I run frantically from task to task, I will never get it all done,
For my ideal is with me.
Deadlines and my need for approval, they drive me.
They demand performance from me, beyond the limits of my schedule.
They anoint my head with migraines,
My in-basket overflows.
Surely fatigue and time pressures shall follow me
All the days of my life.
And I will dwell in the bonds of frustration
Forever
Source of Comfort
The 23rd Psalm has been a source of comfort to myriads of people in life and in death. Consider the following outline, and allow the Psalm to become a source of life and comfort to you, regardless of your circumstances and surroundings.
| The Lord is my Shepherd | Perfect Salvation. |
| I shall not want | Perfect Satisfaction. |
| He maketh me to lie in green pastures | Perfect Rest. |
| He leadeth me beside the still waters | Perfect Refreshment. |
| He restoreth my soul | Perfect Restoration. |
| He leadeth me in paths of righteousness | Perfect Guidance. |
| I will fear no evil | Perfect Protection. |
| Thou art with me | Perfect Company. |
| The rod and Thy staff | Perfect Comfort. |
| Thou preparest a table | Perfect Provision. |
| Thou anointest my head | Perfect Consecration. |
| My cup runneth over | Perfect Joy. |
| Goodness and mercy shall follow me | Perfect Care. |
| I will dwell … for ever | Perfect Destiny. |
Corrie Ten Boom
When Corrie Ten Boom of The Hiding Place fame was a little girl in Holland, her first realization of death came after a visit to the home of a neighbor who had died. It impressed her that some day her parents would also die. Corrie’s father comforted her with words of wisdom. “Corrie, when you and I go to Amsterdam, when do I give you your ticket?” “Why, just before we get on the train,” she replied. “Exactly,” her father said, “and our wise Father in heaven knows when we’re going to need things too. Don’t run out ahead of Him, Corrie. When the time comes that some of us will have to die, you will look into your heart and find the strength you need—just in time.”
Resources
- Living Beyond The Daily Grind, Vol. I, Swindoll, p. 67