Plain and simple - I have peace, and I want to share it with you all. But first must come a vocabulary lesson:
Shepherd: one who herds, guards, tends, or guides
Wanting: not meeting requirements or expectations
Rest: relief or freedom from disquiet or disturbance
Peaceful: undisturbed by strife, turmoil, or disagreement
Valley: a long depression in the land surface, usually containing a river, formed by erosion or by movements in the earth's crust
Shadow: an area that is not or is only partially irradiated or illuminated because of the interception of radiation by an opaque object between the area and the source of radiation
Death: the termination or extinction of something
Fear: a feeling of distress, apprehension, or alarm caused by impending danger, pain, etc.
Close: being near in space or time
Beside: at the side of; next to
Rod: a scepter, staff, or wand symbolizing power or authority
Staff: a hooked rod used to direct a sheep toward the correct direction, or the curved end could be used to pull the sheep toward the shepherd. At times it was also used to chastise a disobedient sheep.
Protect: to defend or guard from attack, invasion, loss, annoyance, insult, etc.; cover or shield from injury or danger
Feast: something extremely pleasing or sumptuous
Enemy: something that harms or opposes; adversary
Anoint: to choose by or as if by divine intervention
Cup: a lot or portion to be suffered or enjoyed; a small open container
Overflow: to fill or be filled beyond capacity so as to spill or run over
Unfailing: incapable of being entirely consumed or used up
Pursue: to follow in an effort to overtake or capture; chase
House: a valued place regarded as a refuge or place of origin
Then, Psalm 23:
God is my Shepherd. I won't be wanting. He lets me rest in green meadows, He leads me beside peaceful streams. He restores my soul. He guides me along the path of righteousness for His name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will not fear, for You are close beside me. Your rod and staff protect and comfort me. You prepare for me a feast in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely Your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of God forever.
God is my Shepherd. He leads me, guides me, and tends to me. I am not wanting - God has given me so much that there is nothing that needs be asked of Him. Even though I am in a depression caused by the circumstances around me, I will not fear. Though it is dark, I will seek that peaceful river that lies within this valley. I cannot be without peace, for You are standing right next to me here. Your rod reminds me that You are my King; Your staff reminds me that You are my Father. Both comfort me and guard me from the attacks of my adversaries. You are my feast, even when I am surrounded by danger and my enemies. You are my joy, my fulfillment, my celebration. You have called me Your own and chosen me for Your purposes; my life overflows with blessing because I have accepted Your call. Surely You are good. Surely Your love is unfailing as You are. And these will chase me until I am captured by Your love and Your kindness, even until the day I die. And I will make You my home, my refuge - the place where I truly belong.
The Bible is full of poetry. I have never had more peace in my heart than when reading this verse.
Love you guys!
