Psalm 23 is a familiar psalm and undoubtedly the most popular in current society. It’s popular at funerals – expressing sorrow and sadness for a loss. Yet it ends on an upbeat note referring to God’s goodness and mercy for all the days of our lives. A true psalm for reflecting on this journey we call “life”.
I happened to study this psalm recently in my daily bible study “When Words Fail” by Proverbs 31 Ministries (their First 5 daily devotional).
The timing of this psalm was impeccable (as God’s timing always is!). I was packing for my “solitude” trip up to a cabin on a lake in northern Michigan. I have never done anything alone like this in my life, so I was a bit nervous. But God comforted me and calmed my fears when I read this psalm with fresh eyes.
It simply overflowed my heart with so much joy that I want to write about it over the five Sundays in this month of September 2018.
I hope you will take the time to read this amazing psalm with fresh eyes and allow it to renew your heart, mind, and soul as you pursue Him every day. Rest. Restoration. Righteousness. Reassurance. Readiness.
Week 3 {Righteousness}
Psalm 23:3b (NIV) He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.
Righteousness: the quality of being morally right or justifiable.
Righteousness is one of those words I struggled to fully comprehend. Would I ever measure up to righteousness? Seemed doubtful.
The past 18 months have taught me a few things. Perhaps now I have a better understanding how to reconcile righteousness to daily living. Maybe, just maybe, I can make some progress in this pursuit!
There is so much packed into this second part of verse 3. Recall for the purpose of reading Psalm 23 we are sheep, so put your sheep wool covering on.
Sheep need to be led. Without our shepherd, how can we navigate rocky, winding paths and remain on the “right” path? Seems impossible. Hardships and disappointments in life will knock us off course.
I used to rely on my own power for every aspect of my life. I started and ended my day in my own strength. I have been a Christian my entire life. I thought I was doing it “right”. Seems unlikely.
Looking back, when it came to my health, I wandered aimlessly for many years. A miserable failure in leading myself and not relying on His provisions and guidance.
Could I live a righteous life without relying on Him daily? Absolutely not! I could do my best to be a good person – but failing every day became exhausting and disheartening. I needed help. And I found it in Him.
With my renewed reading of Psalm 23, I have a new understanding of righteousness. Spending time in His word every morning and other times throughout the day has provided me with a passion in this pursuit.
Applying this specifically to my need for His leading and control in my healthy choices, it was only through my reliance on Him I was able to heal my body, mind, and soul. I now choose a healthy lifestyle to aid my pursuit of righteousness. Relying on Him daily in all things helps!
There’s another little gem in this verse! Don’t miss the last phrase – “for His name’s sake”! Righteousness points directly to the goodness of God for others to witness. He is guiding OUR path, so we can reflect His love to others.
Below is a favorite verse I have kept close to my heart during this journey to health. Striving to protect my body, my temple, moves me closer to righteousness!
1 Corinthians 6:19 (NIV) Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own.
God calls us to pursue righteousness to point others to him. As I realize this, I am thankful of all His goodness in this joyful journey. Even in my wandering, He never left me and was constantly wooing me back into His flock.
As you start your morning each day with your “Bible & Beans”, pray God will lead you on a path of righteousness for your daily journey. He can direct you safely as you make choices in daily life. Even mundane choices like the food you put in your mouth can be made for His glory. As you choose to honor your body, His temple – your journey will draw you closer to your provider and help point others to the one who provides all your needs! Amen.
If you enjoyed this devotional, I would be so honored if you would share it with your friends and family. You can also find my blog posted on my Facebook page “Joyful Keto Life”. Please like my page and share. Also, please subscribe to my newsletter list to be kept in the loop! Don’t forget to “Choose Joy”!
I’ve created a free resource for you with my favorite five tips for your weight loss success. Grab it here:
5 Tips to Jumpstart Your Health and Wellness Journey
Leave a Reply