Over the next three days, we will be taking time to meditate on Psalm 23. My prayer is for us to set aside time to quiet our hearts and open our minds to the things God has to reveal to us about who He is and what He is doing in and through our lives. I’d encourage you to write down any thoughts, questions and prayers you may have pertaining to this passage. It might be a good way to spark conversation with a dear friend or another way for you to deepen your prayer time with the Lord.

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, 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 your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23

DAY ONE:

“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.” Psalm 23:1-3

This passage that is very familiar to may has been stirring within my soul over the past few months. It was one of the first passages I’ve ever committed to memory and ever since I was a little girl I always pictured Jesus as my Shepherd. A shepherd is a beautiful depiction of a protector and guide. One who is time after time extremely caring and sacrificial for the sake of his flock, all wrapped in humility. To think of such a description of our Savior and Creator of the universe blows me away.

“I lack nothing.” Without God we are nothing. We need nothing. For He is all we need and all we desire. Whether we recognize it or not, it’s true. Nothing comes close to the comfort and provision the Lord has to freely offer to those who commit their lives to Him. Because at the end of the day, the only thing that can satiate our souls is Jesus.

As our Shepherd, Jesus is looking out for the best intent of His flock. Even when we do not know what is best for us, He does; leading us besides still waters and green pastures. For years I had the desire to move out of my hometown. I wanted to move into the city or to a completely different state across the country and every time I tried to make the move, I could hear the Lord saying, “not yet Kelsey. I know your desires, but this is not your time just yet. You have more growing to do here.” And as I continued to live in my hometown, I found myself every step of the way being guided through green pastures and still waters, until it was time to live in places I did not even know I’d dream of. One of those places was Seattle, Washington. It is literally surrounded by quiet water. There, I was filled with a peace and reassurance of His presence which was something I did not even know I needed, but recognized once I stepped foot in the neighborhood, I was again blown away with our God.

There my soul was refreshed. And that is just what He desires to do with you. He wants to refresh and satiate your soul. He is seeking to revive your dusty dry bones, allowing you to live the full life He’s designed for you to live. All you need to do is trust in the plans He has for you and do not forget to give Him the glory. And as you spend time with Jesus, continue to make room for Him to lead and guide you to the places, conversations and spaces you were made to step foot in.

DAY TWO:

“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4

Not only is the Lord described as our Shepherd, but He is also our Comfort. He will always be with you. Even when it may be difficult to see it, never will He leave you or let you walk through seasons alone. Trust me, I have been there. I know what it feels like. There have been times in my life I thought I would never see the end of such dark days or be able to understand how God was going to bring good from such heartbreak and devastation. But every time the Lord surprised me. He wrapped me in His loving arms to provide a comfort unlike any other.

I know too it is much easier said than done, but we do not need to fear because the Lord is close. There is not only comfort, but power given from God. You are stronger than you think because of the Holy Spirit living and dwelling within. Not only is He present, but He is closer than we can comprehend. Let Him continue to be your Comfort and your Guide. Think of a time you found yourself in a dark valley. How has the Lord led you out of it?

DAY THREE:

“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely Your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”  Psalm 23:5-6

There are so many beautiful characteristics and qualities of our God. With each one, we marvel in awe at the being and person He truly is. As we reflect on the final words of Psalm 23, my prayer is that you have been able to take time to see how you see the Lord in your life. Here He is described as our Shepherd and Comfort, our Provider and Sustainer. He is the very reason we have breath in our lungs and purpose in our life. The Lord is good and we get to be in relationship with Him for eternity. Let’s continue to look at how GOOD God is in our life on this side of eternity and into the next.

“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.” This statement sounds really good until it starts talking about enemies. Here the Psalmist reminds us that there will be days we will not get along with everyone. There will be days were we face adversity and evil, but do not forget: the Lord has prepared the table for you. He already has the table set. Days I find myself with someone who is trying to start a quarrel or confrontation, but I then hold my tongue and go back to this verse, repeating in my head “the table has already been set. Thank You Lord.” I remember He is my living water and daily bread. He is our source of nutrition and strength. Even in the presence of our enemies, He will give you the very strength you need. Jesus has prepared the way and will continue to make His name known. The thought of having an enemy close to the table could be an opportunity for the gospel to be shared with someone who might need to hear it. Remember with every interaction and conversation you have: Jesus has already won the battle. He will fight for you because He is victorious and will continue to be.

He has anointed your head with oil. He has created you for a purpose. The picture of being anointed with oil was often a symbol of the Holy Spirit’s presence. It is something to recognize the power of the Holy Spirit within you to overflow and share with one another. God’s goodness and love will continue to follow you, even when days seem hard; remember the Lord is close. It is through His Perfect Love, Jesus Christ, we get to spend forever with our Creator. How amazing is that?! We are gifted salvation for being in relationship with Jesus, proclaiming He is our Lord and Savior.

Might you take time to commit this passage to memory if you already have not done so. Take time to write down who the Lord is to you. What does He look like in your life? Where is He leading you now? How are you going to share the gospel with those in your spheres? How can you share the good news even to people you disagree with? Do not fear. Continue to pray for Holy Spirit to guide your steps, filling you with wisdom and giving you the words to say!

Meet Kelsey

Whether it be through choreography, writing or teaching, I am a creative and storyteller at heart. Two of my absolute favorite places in the world are being backstage before a performance or teaching opportunity or being seated on the living room floor of a small group meeting. Both of those places are near and dear to my heart because they are moments that are on the brink of something greater than ourselves. Before a set of choreography is demonstrated, a teaching is given or a discussion is had, it is the time where the culmination of all the prep, study and practice is now shared with the world. It is where our moments of worship continue from the private setting to the public, allowing us to invite others in and have the Gospel shared.

After graduating in 2013 from Pepperdine University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Religion, I continued on to choreograph and teach dance throughout Los Angeles. Along the way, I began to work in Youth Ministry, later deciding to make the move to Seattle to work in bridal. Now, the Lord has led me to Nashville, TN, and I am excited for what He has in store! In all that I do, I am passionate about people knowing their value and love comes from the Perfect Love of God. I believe wholeheartedly nothing beats time with Jesus. Live music, long drives, and a dirty chai certainly tie for a close second.