Healing Shepherd

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

This verse may surprise you. Yes, we are still talking about divine health and healing here. Please, go back and read it again. What part of this psalm is not about divine health? This is the perfect picture of God with us. In other words, it is the exact image of Immanuel, Jesus. He is the shepherd. If we follow him, we shall have no want, nor any need. He leads us to the perfect food (pasture) and perfect water. He leads his sheep to the very best so that they may be in perfect health.

He restores our soul which means that he heals our emotions, redeems our thoughts and beliefs and transforms our minds. Is that not absolutely about healing? Of course, it relates to emotional healing but guess what, much of our physical health and well-being is tied to the stress and emotional discomfort in our lives. And, of course, the “paths of righteousness” are as simple as his footprints. In other words, he leads us in “his way” so that we avoid stress, trouble and live in the blessing.

The next stanza talks about walking through the valley of the shadow of death. How is that not about health and healing. We talk through that stinking valley every day. Sometimes it feels like death is trying to get its steely fingers on us. The thing is, though, if we will mind Jesus and listen to his counsel, he will navigate the mine field for us. It really is that simple. I am not suggesting blind courage where we profess our faith and then run through the shadows of death. I am talking about following the shepherd because he knows the way and he will protect us every step of the way. His rod and his staff guide us. My faith is anchored in following him and yours can be too.

He prepares a table for us. Surely by now we understand that an enormous amount of our health is tied to our diet which also includes our drinks. When he prepares my table, he doesn’t put soft drinks on it. That is my doing and even though I enjoy sodas, they do not serve my health. Who is your enemy? That is a pretty simple question, but also think about who his agents are. Who is putting food on your table? Is it the food and drink which will encourage health and healing in your body?

The last stanza, I shall dwell with the Lord all the days of my life and even through eternity. When we dwell with the Lord, when we have that revelation of God with us every moment, then, we constantly are in the path of healing. God with me means He is constantly teaching me, leading me to new technologies, new products and even new ways to think about health and medicine. I think I told you that my good friend has introduced what I call Eden water. It is new to me, but it is helping my health. What if I had not been in the flow of God and had not received His blessing. What if I had not been listening or was closed minded. I would have missed the blessing. I have also been doing physical therapy for my knees. Is this divine healing? Absolutely! My Father provided that for me and, again, it is helping my knees. I want health, so I am inspired to seek the Father and listen to Him. The fact that He lives with me, makes it a bunch easier.

So, there you are. The 23rd psalm. You’ve known it all your life, but did you know it? That dear shepherd is leading you to paths of his own wisdom and knowledge for your health and well-being. I have to think that is some really great news.