Dwell | PsalmsSample

Ingraining Psalm 23 in Everyday Life

Introduction

Hi, this is Jon, and welcome to Dwell.

For the next few minutes, I invite you to join me as we recenter upon the Lord by opening our hearts to hear from him through the words of Scripture.

Thanks for joining us.

Silence

As we begin, let's sit in silence for a moment, seeking to be attentive to the presence of God, the one in whom we live and move and have our being.

Passage

Now listen as I read Psalm 23 over you.

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.

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.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
forever. (ESV)

Exhortation

Years ago, I came across a simple yet profound story about one of my favorite Christian writers, Dallas Willard. He tied a pair of shoes together, hung them over his bathroom door, and each time he saw them, he recited Psalm 23 until he had it memorized. Inspired by this, I embraced the challenge and memorized Psalm 23 for myself. And now, almost two decades later, these words continue to be a gift, a gift I can return to whenever I need them.

The vivid imagery of green pastures, still waters, and the guiding presence of the Good Shepherd has often brought me peace, especially in moments when my path seemed uncertain or shadowed.

Although, I have to admit, those words from the fourth verse: "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil," — have always stood out for me because I can't say them truthfully. Even after nearly two decades of living in this Psalm, I still find myself fearing evil.

So, instead of beating myself up about that, I look at those words as a promise, rather than a bold declaration. And I think that's okay, because I really do believe that there will come a day when fear will no longer hold sway in my life, when I will be fully free to listen and live in the presence and peace of my Good Shepherd.

I never used the shoe method, but I did ingrain Psalm 23 into my heart. Maybe you'd like to do the same?

If so, try starting with a verse at a time, finding a visual reminder for repeating it: maybe that's your first sip of coffee in the morning, or when you open and close your front door, or maybe it's when you light a candle.

The visual cue doesn't matter all that much, what matters is God's truth sinking deep into your heart over and over again, and allowing his shepherding care to guide, comfort, and sustain you on the way.

Active Response

In response, let's once again linger in silence with God's word and this reflection upon our hearts, staying alert to any nudging or prompting by the Holy Spirit.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, Lord Jesus Christ, Indwelling Holy Spirit, as we work to embed the words of Psalm 23 in our hearts, may your grace empower our practice, and may we find peace and guidance in Your shepherding presence. Amen.

Outro

Now, go in peace, and let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.