A Greatful Heart

by LETCIA GARNETT
(LONG BEACH, CA U.S.A)

Psalm 23rd Lesson #3

It has took me a while to respond, but my lessons are always in my thoughts. It took me a while to get my folder together because I wanted to print every lesson on the site so that I can have them on hand at all times. They have been a blessing to me.

I am a single mother of two; a 12 yr old boy and a 16yr old girl, who migrated from Belize about 15 yrs ago to be closer to my mother; who left my brother and I with our grandparents when we were only 9 months and 1 yr old. That was the best thing she could have done; for my grandmother raised us with the fear of God. Now I don't fear him - well some what, fearful of consequences - only love him.

I have always been a single parent and its been extremely hard living from check to check without any family support. I work graveyard full time, go to school during the day full time and still have to find time to go to the hospital to do my clinics along with spending a little time with the kids. It is only by the GRACE of GOD that I have been able to function, to provide and keep a roof over my children's head and I am eternally grateful for that. I just made my 31st b-day and have always had God in my life. He is all I know. He is my everything. I give thanks for Christ Jesus, thanks to God ALL MIGHTY for sending His only Son so that we can be saved from sin, so that we can attain salvation through Him. There are no words to describe His forgiving nature.

To do this assignment I switched my Scofield Study Bible for the King James Version. When I learned this prayer - Ps. 23 - it was with the King James Version and I just felt comfortable using that version.

The assignment was equally emotional and overwhelming. I have said it out loud many times, but not like this time. It was a really good experience for me.

A.) I read it both silently and out loud, slowly and thoughtfully. The 23rd Psalm is about ME and MY LORD. The relationship we have. It means a lot to me that he cares about me so much. What have I ever done, to deserve even one of the pleasure I've known?
I can't say for sure that I've felt 100% like the Palmist until I was reading it out loud. This overwhelming feeling came over me and it got stronger with every read, and I was very emotional that God loves me so much that he will do all those things. But there are times when I am faced with certain challenges or up against certain evil forces and I would ask them "Do you know who my Father is? " and I would go on to tell them "He is THE ALL MIGHTY"

B.) vs 1
Because THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD He will guide me and take care of me. I shall want for NOTHING. He says do not worry about tomorrow, what you will eat, what you will drink or about your body; for he will take care of that.
THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD I SHALL NOT WANT gave me extra assurance
vs 2
HE MAKETH ME TO LIE DOWN IN GREEN PASTURES, HE LEADETH ME BESIDE STILL WATERS.
For me green means life, healthy. All plants that are green have life. When they are not green, usually they are dying unless it is a flower. HE MAKETH ME, me of all people old sinful me. HE LEADETH BESIDE THE STILL WATERS. For me that is peace, rest and serenity.
vs 3
HE RESTORETH MY SOUL, HE LEADETH ME IN THE PATH OF RIGHTEOUSNESS FOR HIS NAME SAKE
He restoreth my sinful soul; who but God has the power to restore my soul, wipe it clean of all my sins and then turn around and lead me to righteousness? It says "for His name sake" but I'm not doing I'm a favor He is doing me a favor. SO I think its for my own good that he is doing this for ME.
vs 4
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
Even though I am in this sinful world I will not be afraid of all the wickedness and wicked intentions BECAUSE "THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD and there is none mightier.
vs 5
THOU PREPAREST A TABLE BEFORE ME IN THE PRESENCE OF MINE ENEMIES
As human beings we don't like to be in the company of others that really don't care for us; but God is telling us that's ok: "I will set you right in their midst and have no fear for I will take care of you."
THOU ANOINTEST MY HEAD WITH OIL; MY CUP RUNNETH OVER
To be anointed is to be dedicated to God. Kings and Priests were anointed and the bodies of those who died. They were all dedicated to God. Shown through the anointing with oil. THOU ANOINTEST MY HEAD WITH OIL and dedicated me to him and HIM to me. I am anointed for his service and He makes my cup to overflow. That's how much he loves me.
vs 6
SURELY GOODNESS AND MERCY SHALL FOLLOW ME ALL THE DAYS OF MY LIFE AND I WILL DWELL IN THE HOUSE OF THE LORD FOREVER.
As long as i dedicate my life to God, and dwell in his house, goodness and mercy will follow me forever.....

THANK YOU LORD, FOR INSPIRING DAVID SO THAT WE CAN HAVE THE 23RD PSALM TODAY AS A REMINDER OF YOUR GOODNESS.

C.)
The entire prayer is present tense. Its always present, God's loving Kindness. Each verse flowed smoothly to complete the chapter.

My Comments:

It is great to hear that God is at work in your life, Letcia. As you noticed, reading out loud can add an extra dimension to our Bible Reading. You did an excellent job on the assignment. Keep up the good work and may God continue to bless and provide for you.

God bless,
Glenn Davis